Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Beginning September 15, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will replace Duration of Status (D/S) admissions for many F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents with a fixed period of admission reflected as an Admit Until Date (AUD) on the Form I-94.

Instead of remaining in the United States for as long as they maintain their status, many individuals admitted under the new framework will have a specific date indicating how long they are authorized to remain in the country. Those who need additional time may need to request an Extension of Stay (EOS) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Learn more: Understanding the Rule

No. The impact depends on your immigration history, when you were admitted to the United States, and whether the Final Rule’s transition provisions apply to you. Many current students and scholars who are already in the United States before September 15, 2026, will not experience an immediate change.

International Services can help you determine how the rule applies to your individual circumstances.

No. The Final Rule does not change how visas are issued or renewed. Your visa is used to request admission to the United States. The rule changes how long many F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants are authorized to remain in the United States after admission.

No. International Services will continue issuing Forms I-20 and DS-2019 under existing regulations. These documents continue to certify eligibility for F-1 or J-1 status and document your academic or exchange visitor program.

Not at this time. Many current students and scholars are covered by the Final Rule’s transition provisions. If you are maintaining your immigration status, no immediate action may be required.

However, you should continue monitoring communications from International Services and consult with an advisor before international travel or requesting immigration benefits.

Learn more: Current F-1 Students, Current J-1 Students, and Current J-1 Scholars

No. The Final Rule does not automatically change the admission of everyone who is already in the United States on September 15, 2026. Many individuals are covered by transition provisions and may continue under their current admission.

Future immigration events, such as international travel or certain immigration applications, may affect how the rule applies to you. International Services can help explain how the Final Rule applies to your individual circumstances.

Travel may affect how you are admitted to the United States upon your return. Admission decisions are made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) based on the laws and policies in effect at the time of your entry.

Before traveling internationally, International Services recommends meeting with an advisor to review your documents and discuss any immigration considerations related to your trip.

Learn more: International Travel

No. A program extension allows you to continue your academic or exchange visitor program. An Extension of Stay (EOS), when required, is a separate immigration benefit requested from USCIS to extend your authorized stay in the United States.

Under the Final Rule, some individuals admitted under the fixed-period framework may need both.

Learn more: Program Extensions & Extension of Stay

No. Whether an Extension of Stay is required depends on your admission history, your current Form I-94, and your individual circumstances under the Final Rule.

International Services will review your situation and advise you if an Extension of Stay is required.

Travel and readmission are separate immigration processes and are not automatically a substitute for an Extension of Stay. The appropriate course of action depends on your individual circumstances.

Consult International Services before making travel plans if your authorized stay may expire during your program.

Yes. The Final Rule does not change eligibility for authorized on-campus employment. Students must continue to maintain their F-1 status and comply with all employment regulations.

No. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) remains available for eligible F-1 students. The eligibility requirements for CPT have not changed.

No. Eligible students may continue to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, students admitted under the fixed-period admission framework may need to maintain authorized stay through an Extension of Stay if their Admit Until Date expires before the end of their authorized OPT period.

Learn more: Employment

No. The STEM OPT Extension remains available for eligible students. Depending on your period of admission, additional immigration procedures may be required to maintain your authorized stay.

No. Academic Training remains available for eligible J-1 students. Participants admitted under the fixed-period framework should work closely with International Services to understand any additional requirements related to maintaining authorized stay.

Yes, if you are progressing to a higher educational level and continue to meet the applicable immigration requirements.

International Services will issue the appropriate Form I-20 for your new program and advise you on any additional immigration steps that may be required under the Final Rule.

Yes. SEVIS transfer procedures remain available. Depending on your admission history and the timing of your transfer, additional immigration requirements may apply.

No. The Final Rule does not change the Exchange Visitor Program categories or eligibility requirements. Research Scholars, Professors, Specialists, and J-1 Students remain subject to Department of State regulations governing their exchange visitor category.

No. The Final Rule does not change whether a J-1 exchange visitor is subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement or the process for obtaining a waiver.

Yes. The Final Rule also applies to F-2 and J-2 dependents. Because each family’s circumstances are different, dependents should consult International Services before international travel or if questions arise about maintaining lawful status.

Every student’s or scholar’s situation is unique. If you are unsure how the Final Rule applies to you, contact International Services before making immigration-related decisions, including international travel, program extensions, employment applications, or changes to your academic program.

Our advisors are available to help you understand your options and maintain your immigration status.