Many international students studying in the United States have long come with one major advantage: admission under Duration of Status (D/S). Instead of receiving a fixed expiration date on their Form I-94, F-1 students could generally remain in the U.S. for as long as they maintained their student status, complied with SEVP requirements, and completed their academic program.
That system is about to change.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed period of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I nonimmigrants. The rule is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026, and is expected to take effect 60 days later, subject to congressional review. Under the new framework, students will generally receive a date-specific admission period instead of an open-ended D/S designation, and those who need additional time may need to file an Extension of Stay (Form I-539) with USCIS before their authorized stay expires.
This guide explains the key changes under the 2026 Duration of Status rule, who is affected, how the new F-1 visa regulations impact international students, and what steps to take to maintain lawful status and prepare for the transition.
For many years, most international students entering the United States on an F-1 visa were admitted under Duration of Status (D/S). Instead of receiving a fixed expiration date on their Form I-94, they could generally remain in the country for as long as they maintained their F-1 status, stayed enrolled in an approved academic program, and complied with U.S. immigration regulations.
The new DHS Final Rule changes that framework. Rather than being admitted under Duration of Status, F-1 students will generally receive a fixed period of admission tied to the length of their academic program, up to four years, plus a 30-day arrival window before the program begins and a 30-day departure period after completion. Students who need additional time may be required to file an Extension of Stay (Form I-539) with USCIS before their authorized stay expires.
This change affects not only future international students but also many current F-1 students during the transition period, making it important to understand how the new rule may impact your immigration plans.
2026 H-1B New Rules and Their Impact on International Students
Although the final rule retains many existing F-1 regulations, it introduces several important changes that international students should understand before it becomes effective.
The biggest change is that F-1 students will no longer be admitted under Duration of Status (D/S). Instead, DHS will issue a fixed admission period based on the length of your academic program, generally not exceeding four years. The rule also includes a 30-day arrival period before the program begins and a 30-day departure period after completion, neither of which counts toward the four-year maximum.
This means you'll need to monitor your authorized stay more closely, as your Form I-94 will show a specific expiration date rather than the "D/S" designation.
If your degree program requires more time than your authorized admission period, you may need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized stay expires.
Unlike the previous system, maintaining F-1 status alone may no longer be enough to remain in the U.S. beyond your authorized admission period.
Another notable change is the reduction of the F-1 grace period after completing your academic program. Under the current regulations, most F-1 students receive a 60-day grace period after graduation or completing Optional Practical Training (OPT). The final rule shortens that grace period to 30 days, giving students less time to prepare for departure, transfer schools, begin another academic program, or file an eligible immigration application.
For students planning to pursue another degree, transfer to a Day 1 CPT university, or file a change of status to F-1, this shorter timeline makes early planning even more important.
OPT to Day 1 CPT: Understanding OPT Grace Period
5 Things You Must Know Before Applying for Day 1 CPT
DHS included a temporary transition provision for students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT shortly after the rule becomes effective. Eligible students who file within approximately the first 244 days after publication may continue to submit only Form I-765 without filing a separate Extension of Stay application, unless DHS extends the transition period through a future Federal Register notice.
This transition measure is intended to reduce disruption while students and schools adjust to the new admission framework.
One reassuring point for current and prospective Day 1 CPT students is that the final rule does not change Curricular Practical Training (CPT) regulations. During the rulemaking process, DHS received requests to modify CPT, including Day 1 CPT, but explicitly declined to do so, stating that CPT was outside the scope of this final rule.
This means students attending a Day 1 CPT university will continue following the existing CPT regulations. However, they will still be subject to the new fixed admission period, reduced grace period, and Extension of Stay requirements introduced by the final rule.
Can I Take Multiple Degrees for Day 1 CPT? Legal Risks Explained
Can Day 1 CPT Students Take Classes Online? All You Need to Know
Is Day 1 CPT Legal? Understand Day 1 CPT from the Legal Perspective
Although the new Duration of Status rule introduces several procedural changes, it doesn't mean international students can no longer study or work in the United States. Instead, it places greater responsibility on students to monitor their immigration timeline and plan ahead.
Whether you're currently enrolled, applying for a new F-1 visa, or considering a Day 1 CPT program, understanding these changes can help you avoid unexpected immigration issues.
If you're already studying in the United States, your immediate situation may not change overnight. DHS has included transition provisions for certain students, and schools will continue working with Designated School Officials (DSOs) to help students comply with the new requirements.
However, it's still important to:
Being proactive can help reduce the risk of falling out of status once the new rule takes effect.
The new rule also highlights the importance of planning ahead for students applying for a change of status to F-1, particularly those transitioning from another nonimmigrant category such as:
While the final rule changes how F-1 students are admitted, it does not eliminate the ability to apply for a change of status. Eligible applicants may still request a change of status by filing Form I-539 with USCIS, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
Because future F-1 admissions will generally have a fixed end date instead of D/S, applicants should consider their long-term academic plans before filing.
One of the biggest questions we've received is whether the new rule changes Day 1 CPT?
The answer is no.
DHS specifically declined to make changes to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during this rulemaking, meaning the existing CPT regulations—including Day 1 CPT programs—remain in place.
However, Day 1 CPT students will still need to comply with the new admission framework by:
The rule changes how long you're admitted, not how CPT itself operates.
Although the final rule isn't expected to take effect until approximately 60 days after its Federal Register publication, students should begin preparing now rather than waiting until the last minute.
Here are a few practical steps you can take:
Confirm that your passport, visa, Form I-20, and Form I-94 are accurate and remain valid.
If you expect your program to take longer than originally planned because of research, internships, thesis work, or other academic requirements, discuss your options with your DSO early.
As DHS implements the new rule, additional guidance may be released regarding Extension of Stay procedures, transition periods, and implementation timelines.
Regularly checking official USCIS and DHS announcements can help you stay compliant.
If you're graduating soon, don't wait until the end of your program to make immigration decisions.
Whether you're applying for OPT, transferring schools, beginning another degree, or considering a Day 1 CPT university, planning early will become increasingly important under the new fixed-admission system.
Every student's situation is different. If you're unsure how the new rule applies to your academic plans, consulting your DSO or a qualified immigration professional can help you understand your options before important deadlines arrive.
No. DHS has included transition provisions for implementation, and schools will continue working with students during the transition period. However, students should stay informed about how the rule applies to their individual circumstances.
No. The final rule does not change CPT regulations, including Day 1 CPT. Students may continue participating in authorized CPT programs if they meet all existing F-1 and university requirements.
Yes. Eligible applicants may continue filing Form I-539 to request a change of status to F-1, provided they meet USCIS eligibility requirements.
Under the new rule, you may need to request an Extension of Stay (EOS) through USCIS before your authorized admission period expires. Filing early and working with your DSO can help prevent interruptions to your lawful status.
The end of Duration of Status (D/S) marks one of the most significant updates to F-1 immigration policy in recent years. While the new rule doesn't eliminate opportunities to study, participate in OPT, or enroll in a Day 1 CPT program, it does require international students to be more proactive about managing their immigration timeline.
Understanding your authorized admission period, planning ahead for graduation or future academic programs, and knowing when an Extension of Stay or change of status to F-1 may be necessary will become increasingly important once the rule takes effect.