Current J-1 Students

If you are currently studying at Texas Christian University in J-1 Student status, you may be wondering how the DHS Final Rule affects you. For many current J-1 students, no immediate action is required.

However, the rule may affect future international travel, program extensions, Academic Training, and other immigration-related benefits. This page explains what current J-1 students should know and when to contact International Services.

For most current J-1 students, no immediate action is required.

If you were admitted to the United States in J-1 status before September 15, 2026, the final rule includes transition provisions intended to reduce disruption for individuals who are already maintaining lawful status.

Your J-1 status does not automatically end on September 15, and your DS-2019 does not become invalid because of the new rule.

International Services recommends that you:

• Continue maintaining your J-1 status.
• Continue making normal academic progress.
• Keep your passport and DS-2019 valid.
• Consult International Services before traveling internationally.
• Review this webpage periodically as additional federal guidance becomes available.

Many current J-1 students who are already in the United States before the effective date will continue under the transition provisions.

However, your immigration record may change if you:

• depart and reenter the United States;
• change immigration status;
• or experience another immigration event that results in a new admission.

Because each person’s immigration history is different, International Services will review your individual situation before advising you.

Students who remain continuously in the United States may continue under the transition provisions for their current admission.

However, future immigration benefits or later admissions may be governed by the new fixed-period admission rule.

If your academic plans change, speak with International Services before making immigration-related decisions.

International travel may affect how you are admitted to the United States.

If you leave the United States and return after September 15, 2026, your new Form I-94 will generally reflect the admission rules in effect at the time you reenter.

For many J-1 students, this means receiving a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) rather than Duration of Status (D/S).

Before making travel arrangements, schedule an appointment with International Services to review your documentation and discuss any implications for your immigration status.

Travel Reminder

Always verify that your DS-2019 has a valid travel signature before departing the United States.

Yes.

TCU will continue issuing DS-2019 extensions for eligible J-1 students in accordance with Department of State regulations.

However, depending on your admission history and how the final rule applies to you, extending your DS-2019 may not, by itself, extend the period you are authorized to remain in the United States.

International Services will advise you if additional immigration steps are required.

The final rule does not eliminate Academic Training (AT).

Eligible J-1 students may continue to apply for Academic Training in accordance with Department of State regulations.

However, because the final rule changes how periods of authorized stay are documented for some exchange visitors, International Services recommends meeting with an advisor before applying for Academic Training.

Additional federal guidance may further clarify how these processes will operate under the new admission rule.

No. The DHS Final Rule does not change:

• your exchange visitor category;
• your program objectives;
• your academic requirements; or
• your sponsor’s responsibilities under the Exchange Visitor Program.

The rule primarily changes how authorized stay is documented after admission to the United States.

No

No. Your visa remains valid until its expiration date unless revoked by the Department of State.

Only when one is required under existing Exchange Visitor Program regulations (such as for a program extension or other authorized change).

If you already know that you will need additional time to complete your academic program and you are eligible for an extension under Department of State regulations, it may be beneficial to discuss requesting that extension with International Services before the new rule takes effect.

If your future plans are uncertain, continue following the normal extension timeline and consult International Services as your program progresses.

No. The financial documentation requirements for J-1 students remain unchanged.

Scenario 1: Completing a Degree

Situation: A J-1 student plans to graduate in Spring 2027 and will remain in the United States until program completion.
What to Expect: The student should continue maintaining J-1 status and consult International Services before applying for Academic Training or making post-graduation plans.

Scenario 2: Extending an Academic Program

Situation: A student needs one additional semester to complete degree requirements.
What to Expect: If eligible, International Services may issue an updated DS-2019. Depending on how the new rule applies to the student’s admission history, additional immigration steps may also be required.

Scenario 3: International Travel

Situation: A student returns home during Winter Break after the rule takes effect.
What to Expect: Upon reentry, the student should carefully review the new Form I-94 and contact International Services if there are questions about the admission record or period of authorized stay.

Please contact us before:

• traveling internationally;
• requesting a program extension;
• applying for Academic Training;
• changing degree programs;
• transferring to another institution;
• changing immigration status; or
• if you have questions about how the final rule applies to your individual circumstances.

Our advisors are available to help you understand your options and maintain your J-1 status successfully.