If you are currently studying at Texas Christian University in F-1 status, you may be wondering whether the new DHS rule changes your immigration status immediately.
For most current students, the answer is no.
However, the rule may affect future travel, program extensions, employment authorization, and other immigration benefits. This page explains what current TCU students should know.
For many current students, no immediate action is required.
If you are already in the United States in valid F-1 status before September 15, 2026, the final rule includes transition provisions designed to reduce disruption for students already enrolled.
Your current immigration status does not automatically end when the rule becomes effective.
International Services recommends that you:
- Continue maintaining your F-1 status.
- Continue making normal academic progress.
- Keep your immigration documents valid.
- Contact International Services before international travel.
- Monitor this webpage for updates as additional federal guidance becomes available.
Many current students who are already in the United States before the effective date will continue under the transition provisions.
However, this may change if you:
- depart the United States;
- change immigration status;
- or experience another immigration event that results in a new admission.
Because every student’s circumstances are different, International Services cannot determine your situation based solely on your immigration category.
If you remain continuously in the United States after September 15, 2026, transition provisions may continue to apply to your current admission.
However, future immigration benefits, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT, or additional periods of authorized stay, may still be affected by the new regulations.
International Services will provide individualized guidance based on your specific circumstances.
International travel may change how the new rule applies to you.
If you depart the United States after the rule becomes effective and later return in F-1 status, you will generally receive a new Form I-94 upon admission.
For many students, that Form I-94 will show a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) instead of Duration of Status (D/S).
Because travel may affect your immigration record, International Services strongly recommends consulting with an advisor before making international travel plans.
Before purchasing airline tickets, contact International Services to discuss how travel may affect your immigration status under the new rule.
Students may extend their academic program for a variety of reasons:
- changing majors;
- adding a second degree;
- research delays;
- approved reduced course loads;
- medical reasons; or
- other academic circumstances.
Program extensions remain possible under the new rule.
However, depending on your admission history and whether you are subject to the new fixed-period rule, extending your Form I-20 alone may not automatically extend your authorized stay in the United States.
International Services will advise you if additional immigration steps are required.
No. The purpose of the Form I-20 has not changed.
You are still responsible for:
- maintaining a valid I-20;
- requesting extensions before the program end date;
- obtaining updated I-20s when required; and
- keeping your immigration documents accurate.
What has changed is how long you may remain in the United States after admission.
Students may continue their education by progressing to a higher educational level, such as from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree or from a master’s degree to a doctoral degree. The Final Rule does not permit a change to a lateral or lower educational level under these provisions.
International Services will continue issuing the appropriate Form I-20 to document your new academic program. However, if you have been admitted under the fixed-period admission rule, additional immigration procedures may be required to maintain your lawful status.
If your new academic program extends beyond your current Admit Until Date (AUD), the Final Rule generally requires you to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), unless another regulatory provision applies. International Services will review your individual circumstances and advise you on the required steps, including the issuance of your new Form I-20 and the timing of any required Extension of Stay application.
SEVIS transfers remain available.
However, because the new regulations change how authorized stay is managed, students should work closely with both schools to ensure their transfer is completed correctly.
Never assume your immigration status transfers automatically.
Generally, no. Eligible F-1 students may continue working on campus as permitted by federal regulations.
The final rule does not change the eligibility requirements for on-campus employment.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) remains available for eligible students.
The eligibility requirements for CPT have not changed.
However, students should continue working closely with International Services before accepting any off-campus employment.
Possibly. The final rule changes how authorized stay is managed for many F-1 students.
Depending on your individual circumstances, applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) may involve additional immigration considerations.
Because these requirements vary based on your admission history and transition provisions, International Services recommends meeting with an advisor before submitting your OPT application.
Do I need to leave the United States on September 15?
No.
Does my visa expire on September 15?
No.
Will TCU issue new I-20s?
Only when required under existing regulations.
Should I cancel my travel plans?
Not necessarily. However, you should speak with International Services before traveling internationally after the rule becomes effective.
Should I request an I-20 extension early?
Not necessarily. Students should generally follow normal extension procedures unless International Services advises otherwise based on their individual situation.
Example 1
Student
• Entered the U.S. in August 2025
• Bachelor’s student
• Graduates May 2027
• Never leaves the United States
This student’s transition provisions may continue to apply while they remain in the United States. However, their OPT application and any future periods of authorized stay may be affected by the new regulations. Student should meet with International Services before applying for OPT.
Example 2
Student
• Entered in 2024
• Travels home during Winter Break 2026
Because student departs and reenters the United States after the rule becomes effective, they will generally be admitted under the new rule and should review their Form I-94 carefully after returning.
Example 3
Student
• Needs one additional semester to complete her degree
Student should request a program extension before her current Form I-20 expires. International Services will determine whether any additional immigration steps are necessary based on her individual circumstances.
Please contact us before:
- traveling internationally;
- requesting a program extension;
- applying for CPT or OPT;
- transferring schools;
- changing degree levels;
- changing immigration status; or
- if you are unsure how the new rule applies to your situation.
Our advisors are here to help you understand your options and maintain your F-1 status successfully.