gobordaGlobal mobility intelligence
Study & studentsEffectiveCritical impactVerified

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Establishes Fixed Admission Periods and New Extension of Stay Procedures for F, J,

🇺🇸 United StatesStudent Visas1 recorded versionLast change 25 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

DHS will replace D/S with a fixed period of admission for F-1 students. The period will generally be the length of the student's programme as recorded by the school, up to a maximum of four years, plus a 30-day departure period. If the programme is shorter than four years, the student does not automatically receive four years. The admission period corresponds to the programme length. If the programme is longer than four years, the student will generally need to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay. The post-completion departure/grace period will be reduced to 30 days.

Overview

The Department of State proposes changes to the Exchange Visitor Program (J visa category). The proposed rule clarifies conditions for terminating an exchange visitor's programme, authorises the Department to terminate programmes in limited circumstances, and modifies the extension of programme and reinstatement processes by eliminating outdated requirements and introducing updated procedures using SEVIS functionality. It also adds definitions for "Unauthorized Employment" and "Valid Program Status" and rescinds the separate extension provision for au pairs.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Nonimmigrant academic students (F-1 classification)
  • Nonimmigrant exchange visitors (J-1 classification)
  • Nonimmigrant representatives of foreign information media (I classification)

What changed in the latest version

Before

F-1 students were generally admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). This meant that their authorised stay generally continued while they were pursuing a full course of study at a qualifying institution, engaging in authorised practical training after completing their studies, and otherwise maintaining F-1 status, followed by the applicable period to depart. Because admission was based on D/S rather than a fixed end date, a student who remained in valid F-1 status generally did not have to obtain a new admission period simply because the calendar reached a particular date. After completing their studies or authorised post-completion OPT, F-1 students generally received a 60-day grace period. USCIS's existing policy guidance currently reflects the 60-day period.

After

DHS will replace D/S with a fixed period of admission for F-1 students. The period will generally be the length of the student's programme as recorded by the school, up to a maximum of four years, plus a 30-day departure period. If the programme is shorter than four years, the student does not automatically receive four years. The admission period corresponds to the programme length. If the programme is longer than four years, the student will generally need to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay. The post-completion departure/grace period will be reduced to 30 days.

This is a significant change for international students because the United States is moving away from a system where maintaining valid F-1 status generally determines how long a student may remain, toward a system where students will also have a specific immigration admission end date. Under the existing D/S system, an F-1 student's authorised stay generally follows the student's academic programme, authorised practical training and applicable departure period. Under the new system, the student's admission will have a defined end date. If the student needs to remain longer, they will generally need to take additional immigration action, including potentially filing an extension-of-stay application with USCIS. This makes tracking the I-94 admission period, programme end date, OPT/STEM OPT dates and extension deadlines much more important for international students.

Explained simply

Think of the current system like having a student pass that stays valid as long as you remain properly enrolled and follow the rules. The new system is more like being given a student pass with an expiration date. If your degree is supposed to take two years, your admission period can cover those two years. If your programme takes four years, it can cover up to four years. But if you need more time, you cannot simply assume that being enrolled keeps your immigration permission going. You have to ask the government for more time. After your studies or qualifying practical training end, the clock also becomes shorter: the normal departure period will be 30 days rather than 60 days.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v2Effective 15 Sept 2026EffectiveCritical impact
    U.S. Department of Homeland Security Establishes Fixed Admission Periods and New Extension of Stay Procedures for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States has introduced a new rule, effective from 15 September 2026, to establish a fixed time period of admission for academic students (F-1), exchange visitors (J-1), and representatives of foreign information media (I) nonimmigrants. Previously, the duration of stay for these categories was not explicitly defined as a fixed period. Under the new rule, these nonimmigrants will be admitted for a specific, predetermined duration, and a formal procedure for requesting an extension of stay will be implemented if they need to remain in the US beyond this initial period. This change impacts all individuals holding or applying for F, J, or I nonimmigrant classifications.

Other routes in this country

1 / 6