USCIS Ends Duration of Status for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders: What USA Immigration Students Must Know Before September 15, 2026

For decades, international students and exchange visitors studying or working in the United States have benefited from a flexible immigration rule known as “Duration of Status” (D/S). Under this system, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors could remain in the United States for as long as they were actively enrolled in a valid program — without worrying about a specific expiration date stamped on their I-94 arrival record.

That system is now ending. On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule in the Federal Register (91 FR 44976) that eliminates Duration of Status for F, J, and I visa holders. Beginning September 15, 2026, these individuals will instead receive a fixed expiration date on their I-94 records — similar to how other nonimmigrant visa categories work. This is one of the most significant changes to USA immigration rules for international students and exchange visitors in recent memory.

If you are an F-1 student, J-1 exchange visitor, or a dependent of someone in these visa categories, you need to understand what is changing, when it happens, and what steps to take before the rule goes into effect.

What Is Duration of Status — And Why Is It Changing?

Duration of Status (D/S) has long been the standard admission period for F and J visa holders. Under the D/S framework, the I-94 record for these individuals was stamped “D/S,” meaning the person was authorized to remain in the United States for as long as they maintained valid status — attending school, pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT), or participating in an approved exchange program.

USCIS and DHS cited significant concerns about compliance and abuse under the D/S system. Because there was no hard expiration date, it was more difficult for immigration officers to identify individuals who had stopped maintaining their student or exchange visitor status. The government argued that transitioning to fixed admission periods creates more accountability and allows immigration officers to better track whether individuals are meeting the requirements of their visa classification.

Whether or not you agree with the policy rationale, the practical effect is substantial: millions of current F-1 and J-1 holders — and hundreds of thousands of new arrivals each year — will need to actively manage their I-94 expiration dates going forward.

How the New Fixed Admission Period Works

Under the new rule, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who enter or re-enter the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will receive an I-94 record with a specific expiration date. The fixed admission period will generally be set for:

• Up to the length of the student’s program as listed on the Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitors)
• A maximum period of four years per admission

This means that if your program of study is two years, your I-94 will likely show an expiration date approximately two years from your date of entry — not simply “D/S.”

Importantly, the expiration date on the I-94 may also be limited by your passport validity. If your passport expires before your program ends, your I-94 will reflect the shorter passport expiration date, requiring you to update your travel document and potentially apply for an extension of status.

Key Changes That Affect International Students Right Now

Beyond the shift from D/S to fixed dates, the rule introduces several other significant changes that every F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor should know:

• Shorter grace period for F-1 students: Currently, F-1 students have 60 days after their program end date (or after completing OPT) to depart the United States, change status, or transfer to another program. Under the new rule, that grace period is shortened to 30 days — the same as J-1 exchange visitors.
• Extension of Stay required: Students and exchange visitors who need to remain beyond their I-94 expiration date — even if their program is still valid — must file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS. This requires paying a filing fee, scheduling a biometrics appointment, and potentially attending an interview.
• Academic restrictions: Undergraduate F-1 students will not be permitted to change their major or transfer to another school until after completing their first full academic year, unless an “extenuating circumstances” exception is approved. Graduate students face even stricter limits: they will not be allowed to change their major or educational level at any point during their program, and may only transfer schools under exceptional circumstances.
• No repeating degree levels: F-1 students will no longer be allowed to pursue a degree program at the same or lower educational level as a degree they previously completed in the United States.
• Unlawful presence risk: Under D/S, unlawful presence generally did not accrue without a formal government determination. Under the new fixed-period system, overstaying an I-94 expiration date can quickly trigger unlawful presence, which can lead to visa bars ranging from 3 to 10 years. This is a critical risk that every student must understand.

What If You Are Already in the United States?

The new rule includes important transitional provisions to protect those who are already present in the U.S. or who enter before the September 15 effective date:

• If you are currently in the United States in valid F or J status and do not depart before September 15, 2026, you do not need to apply for a new I-94 with a fixed date. You may continue to remain in the U.S. under your existing D/S admission through your current program period.
• If you depart the United States and re-enter on or after September 15, you will receive a new I-94 with a fixed expiration date upon re-entry. This is the key trigger — international travel after September 15 converts your status from D/S to a fixed period.
• Students and exchange visitors already in D/S status may continue to benefit from that status through their current program period plus the applicable grace period — but not to exceed four years from the rule’s effective date (no later than September 15, 2030).
• F-1 students who entered before September 15 retain their 60-day grace period even after the rule goes into effect, but those who depart and reenter after September 15 will receive the new 30-day grace period.

The bottom line: if you are an F-1 or J-1 holder currently in the United States, think very carefully about any international travel plans between now and September 15. A trip home to visit family or attend a conference could mean re-entering the U.S. under the new fixed-period rules.

Steps International Students and Exchange Visitors Should Take Now

With the September 15, 2026, effective date approaching quickly, here is what you should do to protect your immigration status:

• Talk to your Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) immediately. If you are an F-1 student, contact your international student office. If you are a J-1 exchange visitor, speak with your program’s responsible officer. Let them know your travel plans and ask for guidance specific to your situation.
• Review your I-94 record before and after any international travel. You can check your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. After September 15, any re-entry into the U.S. will generate a fixed expiration date — review it carefully to confirm the date and flag any discrepancies immediately.
• Track your program end date and I-20 or DS-2019 validity. Know exactly when your authorized program ends and begin planning for extensions well in advance. File Form I-539 early — USCIS processing times can be lengthy.
• Plan for the cost of extensions. Filing Form I-539 requires a fee and biometrics. Budget for these costs if you anticipate needing to extend your stay beyond your initial fixed I-94 date.
• Avoid last-minute travel after September 15. If you must travel internationally after September 15, consult your DSO or an immigration attorney before you go to understand how re-entry will affect your status and I-94 dates.
• Consult a qualified immigration attorney if you have a complex situation, are approaching a program end date, are considering switching schools or majors, or are already on OPT or STEM OPT extension.

Conclusion: Act Before September 15, 2026

The end of Duration of Status is a fundamental shift in USA immigration policy for hundreds of thousands of international students and exchange visitors. For decades, the D/S framework offered flexibility; going forward, every F-1 student, J-1 exchange visitor, and their dependents must closely monitor I-94 expiration dates, plan proactively for timely extensions, and think carefully before traveling internationally after September 15, 2026.

This change does not have to be overwhelming — but it does require preparation and awareness. Work closely with your international student office or exchange program administrator, keep all your immigration documents up to date, and seek legal guidance if you are uncertain about how the new rule applies to your specific situation.

For the full details of this final rule and expert legal guidance, visit the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) at aila.org or consult a qualified immigration attorney. AILA members are some of the most experienced immigration practitioners in the country and can help you navigate this significant change in U.S. immigration law.