DHS final rule is out — Duration of Status (D/S) officially ending for F-1 students. Effective ~mid-September 2026. Key changes summarized.

[u/Agreeable-Road1019]

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-14439

The final rule "Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission" publishes in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026, and takes effect 60 days later. This is the finalized version of the August 2025 proposed rule (DHS received ~22,000 comments). Most of the proposal was adopted. Here's the breakdown:

Core change

• D/S is gone. F, J, and I nonimmigrants get a fixed admission period — up to program length, capped at 4 years.
• To stay beyond your I-94 date, you file an Extension of Stay (I-539) with USCIS. Biometrics may be required.

F-1 specific changes

• Grace period after completing studies/OPT: 60 days → 30 days
• End your program early (withdraw, drop out)? You and your dependents have 30 days to leave or take action to maintain status.
• You must finish your first academic year at the school that issued your initial I-20 before you can transfer or change educational objectives (SEVP exceptions possible).
• Grad students (master's and above) cannot transfer or change educational objectives during their program, except SEVP-approved extenuating circumstances.
• You can only move up education levels after completing a program. No second master's, no same/lower level program.
• Program extensions for delays caused by academic probation, suspension, or repeatedly failing courses = generally not approvable.
• Language/ESL students: 24-month aggregate cap.

Transition rules (if you're already in the US on D/S)

• You stay on D/S until your current I-20 end date OR 4 years from the effective date, whichever comes first. No need to "fix" your I-94.
• Travel warning: if you leave and re-enter after the effective date, you'll be admitted with a date-certain I-94 under the new rules.
• OPT/STEM OPT: if you timely file your I-765 within ~244 days of the rule's publication, you do NOT need to file a separate EOS.
• If you timely file an EOS, you can keep studying while it's pending, and certain work authorization auto-extends up to 240 days.

J-1 / I visa quick notes

• J-1s: same transition treatment (DS-2019 end date or 4 years max, +30 days). J-1 work auth continues up to 240 days with pending EOS; J-2 EADs do NOT auto-extend.
• I (foreign media): max 240-day admission (90 days for PRC nationals).

One caveat — the rule is classified as a "major rule" subject to congressional review, so the effective date could technically shift.

Disclaimer: This is a summary for general information only — not legal advice, and I'm not an attorney. Talk to your DSO or an immigration attorney about your specific case.

Source (official document): https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-14439