Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Updates to F and J Regulations

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule that will significantly affect how international students and scholars with F and J visas are admitted to and maintain status in the United States. Most notably, the rule will end "duration of status," which was the previous policy that allowed F and J visa holders to remain in the U.S. for the duration of their academic program as long as they followed the rules of their immigration status. The new rule instead establishes a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 that establishes how long they are authorized to remain in the United States. Students that require more time to accomplish their program goals are required to file an Extension of Status application.

In addition to ending "duration of status," the rule will also affect travel, grace periods, employment authorization, program extensions, graduation timelines, school transfers, changes of major or degree level, and campus advising processes. The new rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.

Resources:

• DHS 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"
• Study in the States: Final Rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure Quick Facts
• Study in the States: Final Rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure FAQ
• NAFSA: Duration of Status Explainer
• Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
• International Student Resource Center: Loss of D/S Regulation
• International Student Resource Center: Loss of D/S — I-94 End Date Guide
• Legal Services can be found on here