The federal government published its final rule on “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and Extension of Stay Procedure” on July 17, 2026. The rule is scheduled to go into effect on Sept. 15, 2026, and impacts F and J international students and scholars.

Two main components of the new published rule:

Establishing a fixed “Admit Until Date” and Extension of Stay Procedure (F and J visa holders)
Academic mobility (F visa holders only)

Note: This page is regularly updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.

Info Session for F-1 Students on New Federal Rule

Wednesday, August 19 from 2-3 p.m. CT

The International Student & Scholar Services Office (ISSS) will provide an overview on the new rule impacting F and J Visa Holders. Before attending the session, please review the information on this web page.

Establishing a Fixed “Admit Until Date” and Extension of Stay Procedure (F and J visa holders)

This rule changes the lawful period of stay for F and J visa holders in the U.S. to a fixed period of time. The rule establishes a fixed “Admit Until Date” (AUD), which replaces “Duration of Status” (D/S). The rule also introduces a procedure for applying for an “Extension of Stay” for those needing additional time past the AUD. The traditional F-1 grace period upon completion of F-1 activities has been reduced to 30 days under this rule. Transition provisions have been listed for students admitted to the U.S. under D/S, are in the U.S. on the effective date, and do not internationally travel.

An AUD is a maximum end date of lawful stay in the U.S.
A fixed AUD will be assigned to F and J visa holders upon entry to the U.S.
The fixed period AUD is replacing Duration of Status (D/S); D/S allowed lawful stay in the U.S. through completion of F-1/J-1 activities, without a maximum duration.

An AUD will be limited to the program end date listed on the I-20/DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years.
An AUD will also include the 30-day post-completion grace period.

Yes, F and J visa holders can request an extension to their AUD.
An “Extension of Stay” (EOS) procedure has been established.

There are two ways to request an Extension of Stay of the AUD:

An Extension of Stay application (form I-539) can be filed with USCIS along with an application fee; or
An Extension of Stay can be requested when reentering the U.S. after international travel.

Yes. A 30-day grace period is granted upon successful completion of a program and/or completion of F-1/J-1 activities (previously 60 days).
The grace period will be reflected in the AUD.

Yes, there are transition provisions listed for students who are admitted to the U.S. under D/S, are in the U.S. on the effective date, and do not internationally travel.
On the rule effective date (scheduled as Sept. 15, 2026), D/S will automatically be converted to a fixed AUD.
There are specific allowances for eligibility to keep their 60-day grace period.
The EOS application requirement will be waived for students applying for OPT or STEM OPT Extension before March 18, 2027.

Academic Mobility (F visa holders only)

The published rule includes limitations on an F-1 student’s eligibility to change “educational objective” (major, program of study, and educational level) and to transfer, which replace the flexibility available under the previous regulation.

Undergraduate Students

Change of major/program of study is prohibited during the first academic year.
After the first academic year, a change of major or program of study is allowed.

Change of educational level is prohibited during the first academic year.
After the first academic year, a change to a higher educational level is allowed.
Also, upon completion of a degree program, students will be eligible to start a new degree program at a higher educational level.

Transfer to a different school is prohibited during the first academic year.
After the first academic year, transferring to a different school is allowed.

Upon completion of a degree program, students will be eligible to start a new degree program at a higher educational level.
Students who complete a program while on F-1 status after Sept. 15, 2026 are prohibited from starting another program at the same or lower educational level.

Graduate Students

No, a change in major/program of study is prohibited at any point during a program of study.

Change of educational level is prohibited at any point during a program of study.
Upon completion of a degree program, students will be eligible to start a new degree program at a higher educational level.

Transferring to a different school is prohibited at any point during a program of study.
Transferring to a different school should be allowed after completion of a program of study.

Upon completion of a degree program, students will be eligible to start a new degree program at a higher educational level.
Students who complete a program while on F-1 status after Sept. 15, 2026 are prohibited from starting another program at the same or lower educational level.

Summary of New Rule

Admit Until Date	The fixed Admit Until Date replaces Duration of Status (D/S).
Reduction of the F-1 Grace Period	The F-1 grace period is now 30 days (previously 60 days).
Extension Procedures	Extension of Stay requests need to be adjudicated. Previously, extension of a student’s program of study would be processed by the ISSS office.
Change to Educational Objective (major, program of study, educational level) Eligibility	Limitations have been established for students to change their educational objective.
Pursuing Another Program	Students are only allowed to pursue another program at a higher educational level.
School Transfer Eligibility	Limitations have been established for students to transfer to a different school.

FAQ

This section is currently being developed. Please check back for updates.

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Rule Impacting F and J Visa Holders