Duration of Status Final Rule Updates
Last Updated: July 29, 2026
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is monitoring the Department of Homeland Security final rule titled Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.
The final rule was published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026 and is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Until the effective date, current rules remain in effect. NAFSA’s analysis states that the rule replaces Duration of Status admissions for F and J nonimmigrants with fixed end dates on Form I-94 and requires formal extension applications with USCIS for students and exchange visitors who need to remain beyond their I-94 “Admit Until Date (AUD).” SEVP’s FAQ also confirms that beginning September 15, 2026, F students will be admitted for a fixed period of time rather than Duration of Status.
ISSS understands that this is a significant change. We are continuing to review guidance from official government sources, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. As additional guidance becomes available, ISSS will update this page and communicate directly with students who may need immediate action.
What is Changing?Frequently Asked QuestionsUpdates Sent to StudentsOfficial Resources
What Is Changing?
The final rule makes several major changes to F-1 and J-1 immigration processes. These changes include:
Fixed Period of Admission
F-1 and J-1 visa holders will no longer be admitted for “Duration of Status” after the rule takes effect. Instead, they will generally receive a specific end date on Form I-94, called an Admit Until Date (AUD). SEVP states that F students will generally be admitted up to the length of the program of study listed on the Form I-20, not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day arrival period and 30-day departure period.
Extension of Stay Requirement
Students who need additional time to complete their program, begin a new program, or engage in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT may need to apply for an Extension of Stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. SEVP explains that students must work with their DSO before applying for an EOS, and the DSO will recommend the EOS in SEVIS and provide an updated Form I-20 when needed.
Shorter Departure Period
The F-1 departure period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days for students admitted under the new fixed-period rules. SEVP states that F students now have 30 days to depart the United States following completion of their program of study or post-completion OPT/STEM OPT.
Academic Mobility Restrictions
The final rule introduces new restrictions on changes to educational level, changes of major, and transfers. SEVP states that students below the graduate level cannot change educational level, change major, or transfer during the first year of study unless SEVP authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances. Graduate-level students face additional restrictions on changes of major, educational level, and transfer.
Transition Provisions for Current Students
Students currently in the United States and admitted for Duration of Status may be treated differently during the transition period. SEVP states that current F students admitted under D/S may remain in the United States without applying for EOS up to the Program End Date on their Form I-20, or the end of valid post-completion OPT/STEM OPT on the effective date, not to exceed November 14, 2030.
What Students Should Do Now
Students should take the following steps:
Continue following the immigration rules that currently apply to you, including full-time enrollment, employment authorization requirements, address updates, and timely reporting.
Make sure you know your current program end date. Contact ISSS if your document does not reflect your expected academic timeline.
Students should become familiar with their Form I-94 and check whether it currently shows “D/S” or a specific Admit Until Date. SEVP explains that students can locate the AUD on their Form I-94 through the Form I-94 website. Students approved for an extension or change of status can locate the AUD on the Form I-94 attached to the Form I-797A approval notice.
Save copies of your current Form I-20 or DS-2019, Form I-94, visa, passport biographical page, EAD card if applicable, and any USCIS notices.
Contact ISSS before changing your major, degree level, school, enrollment, employment, travel plans, or immigration status.
ISSS will continue sending updates as additional guidance becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The final rule was published on July 17, 2026 and is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. SEVP states that F students will continue to be admitted for Duration of Status until that date.
Most students should not assume that immediate action is required solely because the final rule was published. ISSS will contact students individually if we identify a situation requiring immediate action. Students should continue maintaining status and reviewing their immigration documents.
The Admit Until Date, or AUD, is the last date a nonimmigrant is authorized to remain in the United States. SEVP states that F students cannot remain lawfully present beyond their AUD and must depart the United States or take action to maintain status before the AUD expires.
Your AUD appears on your Form I-94. If USCIS approved an extension of stay or change of status, your AUD may appear on the Form I-94 attached to your Form I-797A approval notice.
Not always. SEVP explains that for programs under four years, the AUD is typically the Program End Date plus 30 days. For programs longer than four years, the AUD is typically four years from the Program Start Date plus 30 days. For students on OPT, the AUD may be the EAD end date plus 30 days.
You should contact ISSS as early as possible. Students who need additional time may need a SEVIS program extension and may also need to apply for an Extension of Stay with USCIS before their authorized period of admission expires.
Undergraduate students should ensure they create a myCAPS academic plan with an academic advisor to plan a pathway for graduation. If this pathway is longer than 4 years, contact the ISSS team as soon as possible.
Graduate students should ensure they create an academic plan with their graduate coordinator. If this pathway is longer than 2 years, contact the ISSS team as soon as possible.
No. SEVP explains that a program extension is a DSO process in SEVIS to extend the Program End Date, while an Extension of Stay is a USCIS process for additional time in the United States to complete a program, begin a new program, or engage in post-completion OPT/STEM OPT.
Travel may still be possible, but students should contact ISSS before traveling internationally. SEVP states that current F students who travel after September 15, 2026 may be admitted with a new fixed period of admission upon return.
It depends on your academic level and timing. The final rule includes restrictions on changes of major, changes of educational level, and transfers. Students should contact ISSS before making any academic changes.
Yes. ISSS will continue reviewing available SEVIS records and will contact students individually if we identify a situation that may require immediate action. Students should still monitor their own immigration documents and CSUSB email.
Updates Sent to Students
ISSS will post student email updates here so students can review previous communications.
Updates for Current Students
Update 1: Final Rule Published and ISSS Review Underway
Date sent: TBD
Audience: Current F-1/J-1 students
Available Soon
Updates for OPT/STEM OPT Students
OPT/STEM OPT Update 1: Final Rule Published and ISSS Review Underway
Date sent: TBD
Audience: Students on OPT/STEM OPT
Available Soon
ISSS will continue providing updates on the following topics:
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Official Resources
Students may review the following official and professional resources:
Provides answers to frequently asked questions for F students regarding the final rule, Admit Until Date, Extension of Stay, maintaining status, travel, and departure period.
Provides a summary of major changes, transition provisions, and next steps for F students and DSOs.
NAFSA Duration of Status Final Rule Analysis
Provides professional analysis for international education advisers regarding the final rule, transition provisions, academic mobility restrictions, and institutional impacts.
Federal Register Final Rule
Official published rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.