Elimination of Duration of Status (D/S)

Last Updated: July 24, 2026

This webpage will be updated regularly as additional guidance becomes available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the CSU Chancellor's Office, and other federal agencies.

On July 17, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security finalized a regulatory change that will affect F-1 and J-1 visa holders and their respective dependents. The rule replaces “Duration of Status” (D/S) admissions with fixed end dates on Form I-94s, requires students and exchange visitors to file formal extension applications with USCIS, shortens grace periods, and imposes new limits on program changes.

This rule will take effect September 15, 2026, 60 days after the published date. Until this date, the current D/S rule is still in effect.

The most important thing to know is that no immediate action is required at this time. This webpage will be updated as additional guidance becomes available. We understand that changes to immigration policy can create uncertainty. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is actively monitoring these developments and working closely with the CSU Chancellor's Office, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and other higher education partners. We are committed to providing timely information, individualized advising, and ongoing support throughout this transition.

The full rule can be found here: https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/dhs-final-rule-ending-duration-status

Summary of key changes in the rule:

• Fixed-date admissions to the United States. Individuals applying for admission in either F or J status (F-1 students, F-2 dependents, J-1 exchange visitors, and J-2 dependents) will no longer be admitted for "duration of status" (D/S) and instead be admitted for a fixed date. This date is not to exceed 4 years and will be recorded on the F or J nonimmigrant's Form I-94 and will be limited to the program end date noted on their Form I-20 or DS-2019.
• Grace Period Reduction. The F-1 grace period will be reduced from the current 60 days to 30 days.
• Formal I-539 extension of stay process with USCIS. Individuals who need time beyond their period of admission for any reason (e.g. an extension of program, school transfers, moving academic levels, use of post-completion practical training or academic training) will have to timely file a Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS before their prior admission expires, with Form I-539, fee, new evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses, biometrics, and possible interview.
• Cap on ESL duration of admission. Capping English language training students at 24 months of study.
• Restrictions on transfers and changes of educational objectives.
  • Below Graduate Level: Students below the graduate level may not transfer, change their major, or change their education level during the first year, unless for extenuating circumstances. After their first year, students must submit an EOS if they wish to request any of these academic changes. Note an EOS requires Form I-539, fee, new evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses, biometrics, and possible interview.
  • Graduate Level: No change to education level or major at any point, no exceptions. Transfers may be allowed for extenuating circumstances.

The full published rule provides that "extenuating circumstances" may include, but are not limited to, "a school closure or a school's prolonged inability to hold in-person classes due to a natural disaster or other cause."

• Prohibition on lateral or reverse matriculation. F-1 students who have completed a program at one education level may not be admitted to another program at the same level or lower.

Because federal implementation guidance is still being released, portions of this webpage may be updated as additional information becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything right now?

• No. Most current F-1 and J-1 students do not need to take any immediate action at this time.
  
  Continue maintaining your immigration status, monitor your SacLink email for updates from ISSS, and check this webpage regularly as additional guidance becomes available.
  
  If you anticipate extending your academic program, traveling internationally, changing degree levels, transferring schools, applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), or making other significant immigration-related changes, we encourage you to contact ISSS early so we can discuss your individual circumstances.

How does this rule affect me if I am currently inside the U.S.?

• For Fs and Js in the U.S., the final rule will become effective 60 days following publication. The status of F-1 and J-1’s in the U.S. would change to a date-certain end date. This will be the date listed on the I-20 form on the effective date of the final rule, but not to exceed four years from the final rule’s effective date, Nov. 14, 2030. If they need additional time, they will have to apply for an EOS with USCIS.

Do I need to request a new I-94 if I am currently inside the U.S.?

• No, student currently inside the U.S. do not need to request a new I-94.

How will I be affected if I travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. after the effective date?

• Fs or Js who leave the U.S. and re-enter after the effective date will not be admitted with D/S and instead be given an Admit Until Date (AUD) upon re-entry. This date will be limited to the program end date on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 plus 30 days, not to exceed 4 years from their program start date.

How will I be affected if I am on OPT or Academic Training?

• Fs or Js approved for Post-Completion OPT or Academic Training before the rule’s effective date may continue to work under OPT or AT until the end date of the work permission.

What steps do I need to take if I am graduating in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 and want to apply for OPT?

• DHS has provided a 6-month grace period starting from Sept. 15, 2026 and ending March 17, 2027, where students do not need to file an EOS in conjunction with applying for Post Completion OPT or STEM OPT.
• Fs and Js applying for OPT or Academic Training after the 6-month grace period must get a recommendation for OPT or AT from their ISSS advisor and then file both the I-765 form and the EOS with USCIS.
• Students planning to apply for OPT who travel outside the U.S. and re-enter on or after the effective date of the rule will not be given the six-month grace period and will have to file the EOS with USCIS along with the I-765 form.

What is Sac State doing to support you?

• Application instructions for Optional Practical Training, program extensions, transfers and changes of majors are being updated to accommodate when the new rule takes effect. Students should consult with their ISSS advisor if they are planning to complete one of these processes.
• ISSS is coordinating with campus stakeholders and external organizations such as NAFSA to ensure available resources are communicated to our international student body.
• Clear, timely communications as the rule's effective date approaches and as more detailed guidance becomes available.
• One-on-one advising appointments for students who may be more directly affected.
• Close coordination between our office and academic advisors to ensure a smooth transition.
• Information Sessions - Throughout the summer and fall, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will host virtual information sessions to explain the new rule, discuss what it means for current and incoming students, and answer questions.
  
  Dates, times, and registration information will be posted on this webpage as they become available. We will also notify international students by email of upcoming sessions.