Starting September 15, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security is implementing major rule changes that will strictly govern how F-1 and J-1 visa holders are admitted, extended, and allowed to study.
Core Rule Changes
- The traditional “Duration of Status” (D/S) admission is being replaced with a fixed “Admit Until Date” (AUD).
- Visa holders will be limited to a stay matching their program end date or a maximum of four years, whichever is shorter.
- The grace period granted to F-1 students following program completion is dropping from 60 days to 30 days.
Academic and Mobility Restrictions
- Students completing a degree in the U.S. after September 15, 2026, must advance to a higher degree level; subsequent degrees at the same or a lower level are no longer permitted.
- Graduate students cannot transfer schools or change programs unless granted a specific exception for extenuating circumstances by SEVP.
- Students below the graduate level face the same transfer and program change restrictions during their first year of study.
- English language training programs are capped at 24 total months, including vacation periods.
Extensions and Dependents
- Extending a stay beyond the new AUD requires a DSO/ARO recommendation in SEVIS, followed by either filing an extension with USCIS or departing the U.S. to seek re-admission at a port of entry.
- F-2 and J-2 dependent stays remain tied to the primary visa holder.
- Dependents must file an extension (via Form I-539A with no extra fee, or a separate I-539) when the primary visa holder extends their own status.
Transition Rules for Current Visa Holders
- Individuals already in the U.S. under D/S on September 15, 2026, may stay until their Program End Date or OPT expiration, but absolutely no later than November 14, 2030.
- Departing and re-entering the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, will immediately subject the visa holder to the new AUD rules.
- Students are encouraged to contact their DSO or ARO as soon as possible to discuss how these new deadlines affect your timeline.
Note: A lawsuit has been filed to stop this rule from going into effect, but a judge has not yet issued a ruling. We will monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available.
The above is informational only and is not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific situation. Please feel free to reach out regarding any specific questions or issues.
