International Students and Scholars Services

The final rule published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on July 17, 2026, makes the most significant changes to the F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor programs in decades by replacing the longstanding "Duration of Status (D/S)" system with fixed admission periods and imposing new requirements on students, exchange visitors, and schools. The rule is scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026, unless delayed through legal or congressional action.

The following are some of the important and impactful changes contained in the final regulation:

• Fixed-date admissions to the United States – Duration of Status (D/S) will become Admit Until Date (AUD)
  • The new rule eliminates "duration of status" (or D/S) for individuals in F and J status. Currently, individuals in F and J statuses are admitted for "duration of status" which means they can remain in the United States as long as they are complying with their F or J regulations. There is not a fixed end-date by which individuals in F or J status must depart the United States, rather the F or J status end-date is tied to the individual's Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 end-date.
  • The proposed rule replaces "duration of status" (D/S) with a fixed end-date, or "Admit Until Date" (AUD).
  • The "Admit Until Date" (AUD) for F or J status will be limited to the program end date noted on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years, plus a 30-day grace period following their program end-date.
  • Individuals in F or J status who require more than 4 years to complete their program would need to file a formal extension of status request via an I-539 Petition with USCIS in order to remain in the United States beyond their fixed end date.
  • Individuals entering the U.S. or changing status to either F or J status (F-1 students, F-2 dependents, J-1 exchange visitors, and J-2 dependents) on and after September 15, 2026 will be admitted for a fixed date, recorded on the F or J nonimmigrant’s Form I-94.
  • The F-1 grace period will be reduced from the current 60 days to 30 days for F students and dependents who enter or reenter the United States on and after September 15, 2026.
  • The J-1 grace period is unchanged and remains 30 days.
• Formal I-539 Extension of Stay process with USCIS.
  • Individuals who need time beyond their "Admit Until Date" (AUD) for whatever reason (e.g. an extension of program, school transfer, changing academic levels, to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT), etc.) will have to timely file a Form I-539 with USCIS before their AUD expires.
  • Those in F-1 and J-1 visa status who timely file the I-539 Petition with USCIS to extend status will be granted a 240-day automatic extension of benefits, including on-campus employment and authorized Practical Training/Academic Training.
• Limit on English as a Second Language duration of admission
  • The length of stay for English language training students is capped at 24 months.
• Restrictions on Transfers, Major Changes, Changes of Educational Objectives
  • Undergraduate students may change their major or transfer schools only after completion of their first year of study (2 academic semesters), unless SEVP approves an exception on a case-by-case basis for "extenuating circumstances."
  • Graduate students are not eligible to change their educational objectives (i.e., "majors or educational levels") at any point during their program of study.
  • Graduate students may be eligible to transfer schools during their program of study, but only if SEVP approves an exception on a case-by-case basis for "extenuating circumstances."
  • After completing a program at a particular educational level, F-1 students are barred from pursuing a subsequent program at the same or lower educational level.
• Key transition rules and requirements for F & J nonimmigrants currently in the U.S.
  • Those in F and J status who are already inside the U.S. prior to September 15, 2026 will be limited to the end-date listed on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019 or OPT EAD Card, or four years from the final rule effective date of September 15, 2026, whichever is shorter. These nonimmigrants must still apply for an extension-of-stay in order to remain in status beyond their status end-date, and will also be subject to the new academic restrictions in varied ways.
  • F-1 students in this transition group will retain their legacy 60-day grace period even after September 15, 2026, but if they exit and re-enter the United States or apply for an extension of stay on or after the effective date, they will be assigned a 30-day grace period under the new rule.
  • If someone in this transition group exits the United States and re-enters on or after September 15, 2026, US Customs and Border Protection CBP will readmit them with a Form I-94 with a date-specific AUD that includes a 30-day grace period.
  • F-1 nonimmigrants will not have to file an I-539 extension of stay application in order to extend the AUDs when applying for the OPT EAD as long as they file by March 18, 2027.
  • J-1 nonimmigrants will not have to file an I-539 extension of stay application in order to extend the AUDs as part of the J-1 Academic Training (AT) process as long as they file by March 18, 2027.
  • There is no change in H-1B "Cap Gap" regulations. The F-1 student will not need to file an extension of stay application as part of the "Cap Gap" process, even if the student’s AUD expires prior to when the H-1B status becomes effective or April 1st, whichever is earlier.

The Auburn University Office of International Programs understands that these changes are significant and challenging to navigate. Those with questions are encouraged to reach out and meet with advisors and staff of the International Students and Scholars Services office. As the office learns of additional information and needs as these new regulations are implemented, we will conduct regular seminars for our campus partners to address changes and questions. Please keep visiting this page for continued updates.