DHS Finalizes Rule Ending Duration of Status for F and J Visa Holders
 

Last updated 08/11/2026 

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that ends the use of “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 visa holders and replaces it with a fixed period of admission. This change will be effective as of September 15, 2026.

Under the new rule, students and exchange visitors will be admitted for a set length of time rather than for the duration of their academic program if they travel outside the U.S. after September 15, 2026. Those who need more time to complete their studies or program will need to formally request an extension of stay, a process that will now be overseen directly by DHS.

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) explains the changes based on the information currently available. The ISSO will update this page as DHS releases additional guidance. For additional questions or concerns please contact the ISSO at international@cooper.edu
 

What is changing? 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final rule ending the practice of admitting F-1 and J-1 visa holders for “Duration of Status” (D/S). Under D/S, students and scholars were authorized to stay in the U.S. for as long as they remained enrolled in and in compliance with their academic program. Going forward, F-1 and J-1 students & scholars will instead be admitted to the U.S. until a specific, fixed expiration date printed on their I-94 arrival record, which matches the program end date listed on your I-20 or four years, whichever is shorter.

When does this take effect?

The final rule was published on July 17, 2026, and becomes effective September 15, 2026. The ISSO will keep updating its guidance as DHS releases more information, so this FAQ reflects what is known as of now.

What is an AUD (Admitted Until Date)?

The Admit Until Date (AUD) is a nonimmigrant’s maximum period of admission to the United States and is the last day a nonimmigrant is authorized to stay in the United States. F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors cannot remain lawfully in the United States beyond their AUD and must depart the United States or take action to maintain status before their AUD expires.

Is the AUD different from the end date listed on the form I-20?

Yes, the Admit Until Date (AUD) may be different from the Program End Date on the Form I-20. Generally:

• Programs of less than four years: The AUD will generally be the Program End Date plus 30 days for departure.
• Programs longer than four years: The AUD will generally be four years from the Program Start Date, plus 30 days for departure.
• Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT): The AUD will generally be the employment end date listed on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), plus 30 days for departure.

What does EOS (Extension of Stay) mean?

Before September 15, 2026:
F-1 students admitted for Duration of Status (D/S) generally do not need to file an EOS (Extension of Stay) with USCIS as long as they maintain their F-1 status. Instead, the ISSO can extend the student's program end date on the Form I-20 when an extension is needed.

On and after September 15, 2026:
Under the new rule, F-1 students will generally be admitted for a fixed period of time, reflected by an AUD (Admit Until Date) on the I-94. If a student needs to remain in the U.S. beyond their AUD to complete their program or for another authorized reason, they will generally need to apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay (EOS) using Form I-539.

How does this new rule affect me as an F-1 student or J-1 scholar?

• Replaces the "Duration of Status" (D/S) admission with a specific end date on the I-94 admission record.
• Ties the I-94 expiration date to the program end date listed on Form I-20 or DS-2019 or for 4 years, whichever is earlier, plus a grace period of 30 days.
• Requires extension requests inside the United States to be adjudicated through USCIS using Form I-539 (with fee, biometrics, and possible interview).
• Restricts undergraduates from changing majors or transferring schools or academic programs within the first year of study, unless an exception is authorized.
• Restricts graduate students from transferring schools during their program of study, unless an exception is authorized.
• Restricts graduate students from changing their educational objectives (majors or educational levels) at any point during their program of study.
• Restricts undergraduate and graduate students from completing another degree at the same or lower degree level.
• Shortens the F-1 departure grace period from 60 days to 30 days.

The ISSO will support you in determining when an extension is required. Please note that you may first need to request an updated I-20 from the ISSO prior to filing with USCIS.

Do I need to do anything right now?

• Stay Informed and monitor this page for updates
• Review your I-94 record every time you enter the U.S.
• F-1 Students: If you already know you will require an extension beyond the program end date currently listed on your I-20, you must contact the ISSO ASAP (and before September 15, 2026) to avoid having to file your extension application with the U.S. government. We recommend you contact the ISSO no later than August 18, 2026
• Consult the ISSO before you make any academic, employment, or travel decisions that may affect your status.

What happens if additional time is needed to complete my program?

After September 15, 2026, If additional time beyond the AUD (Admit Until Date) is needed to complete the program, to begin a new program of study, or to engage in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, F-1 students must apply for an EOS (Extension of Stay) Form I-539, to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), pay the required fee and provide required biometrics (and possible interview) before the I-94 expires. Students will no longer be able to apply for extensions solely through the ISSO. Alternatively, students may depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from United States Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.

Can I continue to work while my extension of stay application is pending with USCIS?

Students who timely file an extension of stay (EOS) application before their Admit Until Date (AUD) expires, including before the start of the 30-day departure period, may continue on-campus employment, off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, and CPT- curricular practical training for up to 240 days while the application is pending and while they remain in the United States.

However, students who file an EOS during the 30-day departure period must stop all employment while the EOS is pending and may only resume work if the extension is approved.

I am currently in the U.S. in F-1 status under D/S (Duration of Status) and plan to remain in the U.S. after the new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026, how long can I continue my studies before I need to apply for an EOS (extension of stay)?

F-1 students with “D/S” who maintain valid status and remain inside the U.S. after Sep. 15, 2026, without any international travel can continue their program without applying for an EOS until the program end date on Form I‑20, but no later than November 14, 2030 (4 years + 60-day grace).

I am currently in the U.S. in F-1 status under D/S (Duration of Status) and want to apply for OPT after my program ends in December or May 2027. How will I be affected?

• If you are in the U.S. with D/S status (you have not departed the U.S. after Sep. 15, 2026) and apply for F-1 OPT by March 18, 2027, you do not need to file a Form I-539 EOS (extension of stay) with your OPT application. 
• If you apply for OPT after March 18, 2027, you will need to file Form I-539 EOS with your I-765 OPT application to USCIS.
• If you travel outside the U.S. and re-enter after the rule's effective date of September 15, 2026, you will be admitted with a fixed AUD (admit until date) and will be required to file Form I-539 EOS (extension of stay) with your application for OPT.