Currently, most F-1 and J-1 students are admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S). Your I-94 typically shows "D/S" rather than a specific expiration date.

Under the new rule, students entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94.

The new admission period will generally be based on the length of the student's program, subject to a maximum admission period established by DHS.

This means that, in some circumstances, students who need additional time in the United States may need to take additional immigration action rather than relying solely on an updated I-20 or DS-2019.

Beginning September 15, 2026:

• F-1 students entering or re-entering the United States will generally receive an I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date instead of "D/S."

• The admission period will generally correspond to the student's program end date, subject to the limits established by the new regulation.

• Students who need to remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of admission may need to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay (EOS).

• The traditional 60-day post-completion grace period will generally become a 30-day grace period for students admitted under the new fixed-period system.

• Additional rules will apply to certain changes in educational level, transfers, changes in field of study, and post-completion employment.

The new requirements make it especially important for students to monitor the expiration date on their I-94 in addition to the dates listed on their Form I-20.

DHS has established transition provisions for students who are already in the United States in F-1 or J-1 status under D/S when the rule takes effect.

Students who are currently in the United States should not assume that they need to immediately file an Extension of Stay application.

Under the transition provisions, eligible students who are present in the United States on September 15, 2026, and were admitted for D/S may generally remain in the United States through the applicable program or employment end date, subject to the limits and conditions established by the final rule.

For F-1 students, the transition provisions may apply through the program end date on the Form I-20, including certain authorized periods of post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, subject to the maximum period established by the rule.

Travel after September 15, 2026 may affect which admission rules apply when you return to the United States. Students who are planning international travel should review their individual circumstances with ISSS before traveling.

An Extension of Stay (EOS) is a request submitted to USCIS when an individual needs to remain in the United States beyond the period authorized by their current admission.

Under the new rule, some F-1 and J-1 students may need to submit an EOS application to USCIS to:

• Complete a program that extends beyond the student's authorized admission period

• Obtain additional time for certain academic or training activities

• Continue in the United States after the authorized admission period expires

• Pursue certain changes to their educational program or immigration status

Whether an Extension of Stay is required will depend on the student's circumstances, including their I-94, program dates, immigration history, and the transition provisions of the final rule.

Do not file an Extension of Stay application based solely on this webpage. Contact ISSS for guidance about your individual situation.

If you are currently in F-1 or J-1 status

Continue to maintain your immigration status as you do today.

This includes following the requirements listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, maintaining the required course load, following employment authorization rules, and keeping your immigration documents up to date.

You should also:

Check your I-94.
Your I-94 is the official record of your admission to the United States. After the rule takes effect, the "Admit Until Date" will become increasingly important.

Keep your immigration documents current.
Review the program end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 and make sure ISSS has accurate information about your academic program.

Plan ahead for program extensions.
Students whose academic programs may require additional time should begin planning well before their current authorized period ends.

Review your travel plans carefully.
International travel and re-entry after September 15, 2026 may result in a new, fixed period of admission. ISSS does not recommend international travel for any reason. Any international plans should be discussed with an ISSS advisor.

Monitor your USC email.
ISSS will share additional guidance as DHS, USCIS, SEVP, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection provide additional implementation information.

No. Your Form I-20 or DS-2019 continues to document your academic or exchange program. The new rule changes the relationship between your program dates and your period of admission to the United States.

Your I-20/DS-2019, visa, and I-94 serve different purposes. Students should not rely on any one document alone to determine whether they are authorized to remain in the United States.

Not necessarily. Whether you need to file an Extension of Stay application depends on your individual circumstances, including when you entered the United States, whether you are admitted under D/S or a fixed admission period, your program dates, and whether you need additional time in the United States.

ISSS will provide additional guidance as implementation details become available.

The final rule includes provisions affecting students pursuing post-completion OPT and STEM OPT. Additional guidance is expected regarding how these provisions interact with the new admission system and the transition provisions.

Students planning to apply for OPT or STEM OPT should continue to follow the current ISSS application process and should monitor this page for updated guidance.

Yes. The final rule affects the admission and extension procedures for both F and J classifications. Specific provisions differ between F-1 and J-1 status.

J-1 students should continue to follow the requirements of their DS-2019 and maintain contact with ISSS regarding questions about their status.

Travel may affect your admission under the transition provisions. Students who depart the United States and subsequently seek admission may receive a new, fixed period of admission rather than continuing under the same D/S framework.

Because the consequences can vary based on your individual circumstances, contact ISSS before making international travel plans if you have questions about how the new rule may affect you.

No.

The final rule was published on July 17, 2026 and is scheduled to become effective on September 15, 2026.

Until the effective date, students should continue to follow the immigration rules currently applicable to their status.