Elimination of Duration of Status (D/S)

Quick Summary: As of July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized the final rule on Duration of Status (D/S) for F and J status holders. This final rule replaces "duration of status" D/S with a fixed admission period (Admit Until Date "AUD") that is linked to the program end date; however, is capped at four years and is subject to approval by Customs and Border Protection and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The final rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.

Note: The Dashew Center is currently awaiting additional operational guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). At this time, SEVIS has not yet provided universities with the detailed guidance and system updates needed to implement the new requirements. As a result, specific processes, timelines, and procedures are not yet available.

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Overview

On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule to change how F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 students, scholars, and their dependents are admitted to the United States and how they extend their stay. The proposal would eliminate the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) policy for F, J, and I nonimmigrants, replacing it with fixed periods of admission. It also included several additional changes affecting international students and exchange visitors.

On July 17, 2026, DHS published the final 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. Most provisions from the proposed rule were retained. The final rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.

The Dashew Center recognizes that these changes may create uncertainty for many members of our international community. We are actively reviewing the new rule, sending updates (Dashew Center Messages), working to understand how its provisions will be implemented if it takes effect, and are committed to providing timely updates, clear guidance, and ongoing support to help keep our community informed.

Key Clauses

In this section we will cover important provisions on this new rule.

Terms to Know

Duration of Status (D/S): is the current admission policy under which most F-1 and J-1 students and scholars may remain in the United States for as long as they continue to maintain their valid immigration status.
Form I-94: The official DHS record of admission that documents your immigration classification and authorized period of admission.
Admit Until Date (AUD): The date on your Form I-94 indicating when your authorized period of admission expires. AUD establishes a fixed period of admission and a specific date will be used instead of D/S after September 15, 2026.
Transition Provisions: is a term used to refer to F/J students and scholars, and their dependents who are already in the United States on September 15, 2026 or earlier.

Fixed Maximum Period of Stay

The rule replaces Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed period of admission for F and J students and scholars. Instead your new I-94 will list an Admit Until Date (AUD) based on your program end date, not to exceed four (4) years, plus the 30-day grace period.

F and J status holders entering the United States on OR after September 15, 2026

F and J status holders, including their dependents, will be admitted until the earlier of:

The end date listed on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, plus a 30-day grace period; or
Four years, plus a 30-day grace period.

F and J status holders already in the United States before September 15, 2026

Current F and J status holders, including their dependents, will transition to a fixed period of stay (AUD) ending on the earlier of:

The end date on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019; or
November 14, 2030 for most F-1 students; and October 15, 2030 for most J-1 exchange visitors.

A four-year maximum period of admission does not limit students and scholars from completing programs that take longer than four years. However, students and scholars whose programs extend beyond their authorized stay will need to apply for an I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS OR depart and re-enter the United States with an unexpired F/J entry visa to extend their AUD.

Extension of Stay (EOS)

The rule establishes a formal Extension of Stay process for F and J status holders, including their dependents.

F and J Students and scholars may extend their stay by first extending their I-20/DS-2019 with UCLA and then doing one of the following:

Filling a I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or
Departing the United States and re-entering with a new Admit Until Date (AUD).

Note: The USCIS Form I-539 is an immigration legal form. Since Dashew Center is not authorized to provide legal advice on how to fill out and file Form I-539, we encourage consultation with an immigration attorney before filing the form with USCIS.

Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students applying for OPT or STEM OPT must obtain both:

Employment authorization, and
An approved I-539 Extension of Stay EOS(unless covered by a transition provision listed below).

Transition Provision for OPT and STEM OPT Applicants

F-1 status holders who file an OPT or STEM OPT application on OR before March 18, 2027, may continue using the current process without submitting a separate I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) application.
F-1 status holders who file an OPT or STEM OPT application after March 18, 2027 will be required to submit I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS)with USCIS in addition to the I-765 Form.

Important: This transition provision does not apply if an F-1 student departs the United States and re-enters before filing the OPT or STEM OPT application.

School Transfers and Changes in Educational Objectives for F-1 Status Holders

The rule imposes new restrictions on transfers and changes in academic programs.

Key provisions include:

Students must complete their first academic year at the institution that initially issued their Form I-20 before transferring out to another institution.
Graduate-level F-1 status holders may not change educational objectives (such as degree level or program) during their course of study.
Graduate-level F-1 status holders may not transfer to another institution during their program unless SEVP approves an exception based on extenuating circumstances.
Students who complete one educational level may only begin a higher educational level while remaining in F-1 status. They may not begin a program at the same or a lower educational level.

Shortened F-1 Status Holders Grace Period After Program Completion

The post-completion grace period for F-1 students will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days following the:

Completion of a degree program, or
Completion of authorized OPT or STEM OPT Extension.

240-Day Employment Authorization During Pending EOS

F and J students and scholars with a timely filed I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) application may continue authorized:

On-campus employment
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
J-1 Academic Training

For up to 240 days while their EOS application is pending.

Note: An I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) application is considered timely filed if the receipt date is on or before the date the authorized admission period expires, including the grace period.

What is not Changing?

Many key aspects of F-1 and J-1 status remain unchanged under the new rule. Specifically, the new rule does not:

Change SEVIS reporting requirements.
Change visa issuance procedures.
Change eligibility requirements for F-1 or J-1 status.
Change admission requirements for academic degree programs or exchange visitor programs.
Shorten academic degree programs or research appointments.
Change eligibility requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT, or Academic Training.

What is the latest information on the D/S Final Rule?

The final rule published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026 is set to go into effect on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. We expect to receive official implementation guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and we will continue updating this webpage as more information becomes available. F and J status holders should continue following current immigration regulations and maintain valid immigration status. We encourage continuous monitoring for updates from UCLA and the Dashew Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have compile a list of questions for your reference based on initial most common concerns. If you like to submit your own questions, please use the link below and our team will work on including your questions in the FAQs.

Submit your Questions to Us

General FAQs

Does the new rule apply to everyone?
The rule applies to: F-1 academic students; F-2 dependents; J-1 exchange visitors; and J-2 dependents.
Does this mean I can only stay in the United States for four years?
No. A common misconception about the new rule is that it creates a four-year limit on F or J status. In the new rule, four years is generally the maximum length of a single period of admission. Meaning, students and scholars can still remain in F or J status beyond four years if they continue to satisfy the applicable immigration requirements and obtain additional periods of authorized stay when necessary.
What is an Extension of Stay (EOS)?
An Extension of Stay (EOS) is a request you file with USCIS called I-539 to extend the amount of time you are allowed to stay in the United States without leaving the country. Most F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 applicants apply for an EOS by filing Form I-539, along with the required supporting documents and filing fee. If your application is approved, USCIS will issue a new Form I-94 with an updated Admit Until Date, allowing you to remain in the United States through the approved period, including the grace period.
How will students be able to check their Admit Until Date (AUD)? Known as the fixed period of admission.
By checking their I-94 Admission Record: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/search/recent-search
Does Dashew Center recommend students/scholars to enter the U.S. before 9/15/2026?
Not necessarily. If entry date to the U.S. is before 9/15/2026, their duration of stay will continue to be noted with Class of Admission as F-1 or J-1 and Admit Until Date (AUD) as D/S . If entry date to the U.S. is on or after 9/15/2026, D/S will be replaced with the specific date that they are allowed to stay in the U.S. for. Students and scholars can check their latest I-94 admission record at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/search/recent-search for their AUD information.
I am already in the United States on September 15, 2026. Does anything change on that day?
For most cases it does not. If you were lawfully admitted in F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 status before September 15, 2026, and your Form I-94 indicates Duration of Status (D/S), your admission does not automatically change when the new rule becomes effective.

Your current Form I-94 remains valid under the transition provisions established by DHS. The government will not automatically issue you a new Form I-94 with an Admit Until Date (AUD), and you do not need to leave the United States or immediately file an Extension of Stay simply because the rule has taken effect. For many individuals, daily life continues exactly as it did before September 15, 2026.
What if I am already in the United States and never travel outside the U.S. during my time at UCLA?
Many students and scholars may remain under the transition provisions for several years without leaving the country. However, the transition provisions are not indefinite.

If you neither travel internationally nor obtain an Extension of Stay, your D/S admission is limited by the transition deadlines established in the regulation: November 14, 2030 for most F-1 students; and October 15, 2030 for most J-1 exchange visitors. In practice, many students and scholars will transition to the new system well before these deadlines because they travel internationally, extend their academic programs or appointments, begin practical training, or experience another immigration event requiring a new period of authorized stay.
My entry visa in my passport has expired, but I am maintaining my F-1 or J-1 status. May I remain in the United States?
Yes. An expired visa does not require you to leave the United States if you are otherwise maintaining your immigration status. Your visa is used to request admission to the United States. Once admitted, your ability to remain lawfully in the country depends on your immigration status and your authorized period of admission, not the expiration date printed on your visa. If you later travel internationally, however, you will generally need a new valid visa before returning to the United States, unless you are exempt from the visa requirement.
Should I avoid international travel to preserve my transition provision and (D/S)?
The regulation does not recommend avoiding international travel, and the Dashew Center does not recommend making travel decisions solely to remain under the transition provisions. International travel remains an important part of academic and professional life. However, because international travel after September 15, 2026, will generally result in admission under the new fixed-period admission AUD system, students and scholars make informed decisions in their travel plans, and should understand how travel may affect their individual circumstances before making travel plans.

F-1 and J-1 Students FAQs

Will the new rule change my eligibility for employment?
No. The final rule does not change the eligibility requirements for employment benefits already available under the F-1 and J-1 regulations. Students and scholars will still need to continue to satisfy all existing eligibility requirements for employment authorization, including enrollment, academic progress, reporting requirements, and any applicable USCIS approval requirements.
How does the new rule affect undergraduate students?
For most undergraduate students, the new rule will have little practical impact. Generally, most UCLA students will complete their degree requirements within four years. In many cases, students will receive a Form I-94 that is valid through the expected end of their academic program and will not need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) while completing their degree. However, for some students, they may need additional time to finish their program because of: changes to their academic plans, medical leave, approved reduced course load, double majors, dual-degree programs and others.
What if I need an extra semester or year to graduate?
Many students need additional time to complete their degree, and doing so does not automatically affect their eligibility for F or J status. However, under the new rule, extending your Form I-20 generally does not extend your authorized period of admission in the United States. If your academic program will continue beyond the AUD on your Form I-94, you will also need a valid period of authorized stay. This may be obtained by: applying for and receiving an approved Extension of Stay (EOS) from USCIS; or traveling outside the United States and being readmitted with your updated Form I-20.

Because obtaining an updated Form I-20 and, if needed, applying for an Extension of Stay can take time, you should begin planning well before your current period of admission expires.
How does the rule affect master's students?
For most master's students, the new rule will have little impact. The majority of master's degree programs are completed within one or two years, so many students will finish their degree before their initial period of admission expires. However, students who plan to remain in the United States after graduation should pay close attention to the Admit Until Date on their Form I-94.
Can I continue from my master's program into a Ph.D. program?
Yes. In most cases, students may continue directly from a master's program to a Ph.D. program if they remain eligible for F/J status and meet all academic and immigration requirements. Before completing your master's degree, we recommend consulting with Dashew Center to ensure your immigration documents and authorized period of admission are updated for your new program.
How does the rule affect Ph.D. students?
Ph.D. students are more likely to be affected by the new rule because many doctoral programs last longer than four years. This does not mean there is a four-year limit on F-1 status.
However, many Ph.D. students will need to obtain a new period of authorized stay before completing their degree, either by: receiving an approved Extension of Stay (EOS) from USCIS; or traveling outside the United States and being readmitted.
What if my dissertation or research takes longer than expected?
It is common for Ph.D. research to take longer than originally planned because of research, fieldwork, funding, or other legitimate academic reasons. If you need additional time, The Dashew Center may be able to extend your Form I-20/DS-2019. However, if your AUD will expire before you complete your program, you will also need a new period of authorized stay, either through an approved I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) or by traveling abroad and being readmitted.
Can I change my major or educational objective?
It depends on your academic level and the type of change. Undergraduate students generally may change majors as allowed by UCLA policies and immigration regulations. Graduate students have more limited options under the new rule, particularly for changes in educational objective or transfers between institutions during a program.
What should F and J students do now?
Under the new rule, early planning will be especially important to help avoid interruptions to your academic progress. UCLA recommends students to continue to:
Consult with Dashew Center before extending programs, changing educational objectives, taking a leave of absence.
We encourage students to still make informed decisions when planning international travel.
Understand the expiration date on their Form I-94.
Review their immigration documents after international travel, and keep copies of important immigration documents.

J-1 Scholars FAQs

How will the new rule affect J-1 Scholars and their J-2 dependents who enter on or after September 15, 2026?
Scholars needing DS-2019 Extensions must request a program extension through their host department and receive an extended DS-2019 from the Dashew Center or DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office. After receiving an Extended DS-2019, J-1 Scholars must also either file Form I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS together with the corresponding filing fee to extend their AUD ($420 Online Filing/$470 Paper Filing) OR depart the U.S., renew their J-1 visa (if it is expired), and re-enter the U.S. to reset their AUD to account for their Extended DS-2019.
What is the suggested Action for Department Administrators to Prepare for this Change before September 15, 2026?
In MyBruin International, review “My Department’s Employees and Scholars” and take note of any scholars who will likely need an Extension.If possible, submit any DS-2019 Extensions by August 15, 2026, so we can issue the extended DS-2019 before the Final Rule takes effect.Consider offering longer appointments, if funding for the full period is available. If you are aware of any upcoming J-1 Transfer-In cases taking place on or after September 15, 2026, please contact the Dashew Center or DGSOM Visa and Licensing Team so we can strategize the best way to approach their case.
How early can a DS-2019 be extended?
The Dashew Center and DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office is accepting DS-2019 Extensions earlier than 6 months before the current DS-2019 end date. However, departments will be asked to provide documentation of available funds covering the entire Extension period.
What is the difference between the 4-year maximum Admission period and the 5-year maximum duration for J-1 Research Scholars and Professors?
J-1 Research Scholar and Professor Categories are permitted a 5-year maximum duration of their J-1 program. The 4-year cap on the AUD does not eliminate the 5-year maximum duration for these J-1 Categories. However, Research Scholars and Professors who enter with a DS-2019 with a 5-year validity will only be issued a 4-year AUD on their I-94 Arrival Record. So, these scholars will need to file an EOS with USCIS or exit the US and re-enter to reset their AUD, before their initial 4-years have passed.
Example: A J-1 Research Scholar enters the U.S. with a DS-2019 with program dates from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2031 (5 years). Upon their initial entry, U.S. Customs will issue them an I-94 with an AUD of October 30, 2030 (4 years, plus a 30-day grace period). If the Scholar does not exit and re-enter the U.S. to reset their AUD at any point during the initial 4 years, they will need to file for an EOS with USCIS before their AUD ends.
Can J-1 scholar’s continue their program or employment while the I-539 is pending?
J-1 Scholars can expect their AUD to reflect their DS-2019 end date at the time of entry to the U.S., plus an additional 30-day grace period. Scholars who file a timely I-539 EOS are eligible to continue their J-1 program while the I-539 is pending for up to 240 days. A timely EOS filing is before their current AUD ends.
Will the Dashew Center or DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office be able to assist with I-539 Applications?
The Dashew Center and DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office will not be able to assist with the submission of the I-539 EOS, because it is a personal application filed directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by the individual, not an institutional petition. Scholars may work with an outside attorney for assistance.

Resources

This page is current as of July 30, 2026.