New F-1 rules bring big changes for students

DHS published a rule replacing the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) framework for F and J nonimmigrants with fixed periods of admission, which takes effect on September 15, 2026. The rule also shortens the F-1 grace period following completion of studies or practical training from 60 days to 30 days and generally limits admissions to no more than four years unless the indi- vidual timely files an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS.

Instead of being admitted for duration of status, F and J nonimmigrants are now admitted until the pro- gram end date listed on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, not to exceed four years, plus the arrival and departure periods (30 days prior to the Program Start Date on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and 30-days after the program completion date).

This represents a significant change. Before, a student whose academic program was extended by their Designated School Officials (DSOs) remained in lawful status through an updated SEVIS record. Under the new rule, extending a program in SEVIS no longer extends the individual’s authorized period of stay. Once the I-94 expires, continued lawful status beyond the individual’s admission period generally requires the timely filing and approval of an EOS application with USCIS. Accordingly, nonimmigrants in this status should treat the Form I-94 expiration date—not only the expiration date listed on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019—as the deadline for their status.

Period of stay limited to shortest passport expiration

The rule adds another complication by limiting the period of stay for the principal applicant and all dependents applying together to the shortest period based on the soonest passport expiration for any member in the family or to the date any dependent ages out. So, the limit on the period of stay and validity of replacement I-94s which can be approved for an F or J principal filing an I-539 along with dependents present in the U.S. will be the shortest of four years, program end date, or the earliest passport expiration date in the family or a dependent’s age-out deadline.

Post-completion grace period shortened to 30 days

The rule also reduces the post-completion grace period for F-1 students from 60 days to 30 days. This shorter period leaves less time after completion of studies or practical training to depart the U.S., transfer schools where permitted, file a change of status application, or otherwise take action to maintain lawful status. Although many F and J programs routinely extend beyond four years, the rule limits admission to a maximum of four years, plus a 30-day grace period. Individuals whose programs continue beyond that period must timely file an application with USCIS before their admission expires or leave the U.S. and return in a new period of authorized stay, for up to four years.

Similar to the current regulation, F-1 students will be allowed to progress to a higher level of education. However, they will not be able to complete multiple courses of study on the same educational level. For exam- ple, F-1 students will not be allowed to complete two master’s degrees.

APPLICATION FINAL ACTION DATES—SEPTEMBER 2026

DATES FOR FILING VISA APPLICATIONS—SEPTEMBER 2026

Visa Bulletin for September 2026 is available on our website. Please go to http://www.khabar.com/magazine/ immigration/