DHS Final Rule Affecting F-1 and J-1 Students and Scholars
Last Updated: August 2026
IMPORTANT: The DHS Final Rule is scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026. For many current students and scholars, no immediate action is required. However, the rule may affect future travel, program extensions, employment, and other immigration matters.
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that significantly changes how F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents are admitted to and maintain lawful status in the United States. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
For decades, most F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). Under the new framework, most newly admitted F-1 and J-1 students and scholars will instead receive a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) on the Form I-94. For many individuals, the admission period will correspond to the program end date listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019, up to four years, plus the applicable grace period.
The Form I-94 will become the controlling record for the individual’s authorized period of stay. Depending on an individual’s circumstances, remaining in the United States beyond the Admit Until Date may require an Extension of Stay with USCIS or departure and readmission with a later admission period.
The Final Rule also includes changes involving grace periods, educational changes and transfers, international travel, employment benefits, and program extensions. The impact will vary depending on when an individual entered the United States, whether they travel internationally, and their individual immigration history.
What Should I Do Right Now?
For most current students and scholars, no immediate action is required. International Services recommends that you:
- Continue maintaining your current F-1 or J-1 immigration status.
- Review the section of this resource that applies to your situation.
- Contact International Services before traveling internationally after September 15, 2026.
- Speak with an International Services advisor before requesting a program extension, applying for OPT or Academic Training, or making other significant immigration-related decisions.
Rely on official guidance from International Services and federal agencies rather than social media or unofficial sources.
Find the Information That Applies to You
This resource is organized into interconnected sections so you can go directly to the information most relevant to you. Select a section below to learn about the rule, transition provisions, travel, employment, program extensions, and academic progression.
| Section | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Overview | High-level explanation of the Final Rule, who is affected, what is changing, and what TCU is doing to prepare. |
| Understanding the Rule | Duration of Status (D/S), the Admit Until Date (AUD), the Form I-94, and the key differences between the current and new frameworks. |
| Current F-1 Students | Transition provisions, travel, program extensions, academic changes, and employment for students already in F-1 status. |
| Current J-1 Students | How transition provisions may affect current J-1 students, including programs, travel, extensions, and future immigration actions. |
| Current J-1 Scholars | Program extensions, travel, admission periods, and related immigration considerations for J-1 scholars. |
| International Travel | How travel after September 15, 2026 may affect your admission framework and what to consider before leaving the United States. |
| Employment (OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, Academic Training) | Employment options under the new framework and additional immigration considerations. |
| Program Extensions & Extension of Stay | How program extensions work and when an Extension of Stay or new admission may be required. |
| New F-1 and J-1 Students & Scholars | What newly admitted and re-entering students and scholars should expect beginning September 15, 2026. |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Answers to common questions about transition provisions, travel, visas, I-20s, I-94s, extensions, and employment. |
| Faculty & Department Resources | Information for faculty, academic advisors, departments, and campus partners who support international students and scholars. |
Important Note
The Final Rule is extensive, and several provisions may require additional implementation guidance or clarification from DHS, the Department of State, USCIS, CBP, and SEVP. As federal agencies issue additional guidance and the higher education community continues to analyze the rule, TCU International Services may update its interpretation and guidance.
TCU International Services Is Here to Help
International Services is actively preparing for implementation by reviewing federal guidance, updating university procedures and advising practices, developing educational resources, and providing training to campus partners. This resource will be updated as additional information becomes available.
If you have questions about how the Final Rule may affect your individual circumstances, please contact International Services before making immigration-related decisions, including international travel, program extensions, employment authorization, changes of status, or academic program changes.