D/S Final Rule FAQ

Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students entering the United States will generally be admitted for a fixed period of time instead of Duration of Status (D/S).

The fixed admission period will be based on the length of the student’s program listed on their Form I-20, not to exceed four years, plus:

• A 30-day period before the program start date for arrival; and
• A 30-day departure period after completion of the program.

Students who need additional time beyond their admission period may need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

For most current students, no.

F-1 students who are currently in the United States and were admitted under Duration of Status (D/S) before September 15, 2026, may generally remain in the United States without applying for an Extension of Stay until:

• The Program End Date listed on their Form I-20; or
• The end of their approved post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extension that is valid on September 15, 2026; not to exceed November 14, 2030.

Students must apply for an Extension of Stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they wish to remain in the United States beyond the applicable period, including if they need additional time to:

• Complete their current program of study;
• Begin a new program of study; or
• Participate in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT.

Alternatively, students may depart the United States and seek readmission with a new period of admission.

Students beginning a new program of study after completing their current program may need to obtain a new period of admission.

Depending on the student’s circumstances, this may require:

• Applying for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS; or
• Departing the United States and seeking readmission with a new Form I-20.

Additionally, students are prohibited from the following after completion of a program of study:

• Changing to a program of study at a lower educational level (e.g., moving from a master’s program to a bachelor’s program); or
• Changing to a program of study at the same educational level (e.g., moving from a bachelor’s program to a bachelor’s program).

Students planning to begin a new program should contact ISS well in advance to discuss their individual situation.

The final rule introduces additional procedures related to transfers between SEVP-certified schools.

Students planning to transfer should work closely with their DSO to ensure all required SEVIS transfer procedures are completed properly and on time.

Students considering a transfer should contact ISS before making changes to their enrollment plans.

Students should consult ISS before changing their major, changing education levels, or starting a new program.

Under the new fixed admission period system:

• Undergraduate students generally must complete one academic year before changing their educational objective or transferring, unless an exception is approved.
• Graduate students may not change their educational objective during their program unless SEVP approves an exception for extenuating circumstances.

Examples of education level changes include:

• Certificate program → Degree program
• Bachelor’s degree → Master’s degree
• Master’s degree → Doctoral degree

Students considering changing their major, completing a degree, or starting a new program level should consult ISS before making changes to ensure proper immigration procedures are followed.

Students may continue to apply for CPT and OPT if they meet all applicable eligibility requirements.

However, students should be aware that the new rule introduces additional procedures related to maintaining lawful status, including when additional time is needed to participate in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT.

Beginning September 15, 2026, students who are admitted to the United States under the new fixed-period admission system will generally receive a 30-day departure period following completion of their academic program.

Students who were already admitted to the United States in F-1 status under Duration of Status (D/S) before September 15, 2026 may continue under the transition provisions outlined by DHS.

If you are approaching completion of your program, we encourage you to plan ahead and consult ISS regarding your next steps after program completion.

Students entering or reentering the United States on or after September 15, 2026 will be admitted under the new fixed admission period rules.

Their admission period will be based on the program information listed on their Form I-20 and will generally include a 30-day departure period following completion of their program.

Students planning international travel should contact ISS before departing the United States to understand how the new admission rules may apply to their situation.

Your Form I-20 will continue to reflect your academic program information, including your program start date and program end date.

However, under the new rule, the program length listed on the Form I-20 will become an important factor in determining the period of admission granted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Under the new fixed admission period system, students should be aware of their Admit Until Date (AUD) listed on their electronic Form I-94 record.

The AUD is the date determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that indicates how long a student is authorized to remain in the United States after entry. This date may be different from the program end date listed on the Form I-20.

Students should review their Form I-94 after entering or reentering the United States to confirm their admission information and Admit Until Date.

Students can access their Form I-94 record through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov

Students are responsible for understanding their admission information and should contact ISS if they have questions regarding their AUD, Form I-94, or F-1 status.

Students are encouraged to review the official SEVP resources:

• Elimination of Duration of Status – Quick Facts
• Elimination of Duration of Status – Frequently Asked Questions

IAU will continue reviewing guidance from DHS and SEVP and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

If you have questions or concerns about how these changes may affect your individual circumstances, please contact ISS at [email protected].