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.
This is one of the most significant changes to F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations in decades. Because many members of the TCU community have questions about how these changes may affect their studies, research, employment, and travel, International Services has created this resource center to explain the new rule in clear, practical language.
Our goal is to help students, scholars, faculty, and departments understand what is changing, who is affected, and what steps, if any, you should take.
For most 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 information on this webpage to understand how the new rule may affect you.
- Contact International Services before traveling internationally after September 15, 2026.
- Speak with an International Services Advisor before requesting a program extension, applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), Academic Training (AT), or making other immigration-related decisions.
- Rely on official guidance from International Services rather than social media or unofficial sources.
Each individual’s circumstances are different. The impact of the new rule depends on factors such as your immigration status, travel history, program dates, and future plans.
The DHS Final Rule, effective September 15, 2026, represents one of the most significant changes to F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations in more than 30 years. While the rule largely adopts the proposed August 2025 regulations, it also includes important implementation provisions and transition rules affecting current and future international students and exchange visitors. The table below summarizes several of the most significant changes. Additional guidance and detailed explanations are provided throughout this resource.
| Current Rule (Before September 15, 2026) | Final Rule (Effective September 15, 2026) |
|---|---|
| F-1 and J-1 students and scholars are admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). | New admissions receive a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) on the Form I-94. |
| Extending an academic program generally requires only an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019. | Some individuals may also need to obtain an Extension of Stay (EOS) from USCIS or be readmitted by CBP with a later Admit Until Date if additional time is needed beyond the expiration of their Form I-94. |
| F-1 students generally receive a 60-day grace period following program completion. | The F-1 grace period is reduced to 30 days. (The J-1 grace period remains 30 days.) |
| Students may generally transfer schools, change educational levels, or change educational objectives, subject to existing SEVP requirements. | New restrictions apply to certain transfers and changes in educational objectives. Undergraduate students generally may not change majors or transfer programs during their first academic year unless an exception applies. Graduate students may not change their major or degree program after beginning their program of study, except in limited circumstances permitted under the regulations. F-1 students are barred from starting another degree program at the same or a lower educational level. |
| Program completion and continued status are primarily managed through SEVIS and school or sponsor action. | Continued authorized stay may depend on both SEVIS actions and USCIS approval or a new admission by CBP, depending on the individual’s circumstances. |
| The Form I-20 or DS-2019 generally serves as the primary document for extending an individual’s period of stay. | The Form I-94 becomes the controlling record for the period of authorized stay. An updated Form I-20 or DS-2019 alone may not extend an individual’s authorized stay. |
| International travel generally does not change a student’s admission framework. | International travel after the effective date may result in admission under the new fixed-period framework and issuance of a new Admit Until Date. |
| Many immigration benefits operate within the Duration of Status framework. | Employment benefits, program extensions, and other immigration benefits may require additional immigration procedures depending on an individual’s Admit Until Date and admission history. |
The final rule applies to:
- F-1 students
- F-2 dependents
- J-1 exchange visitors
- J-2 dependents
However, the rule does not affect everyone in the same way. Its impact depends on factors such as:
- When you entered the United States
- Whether you remain in the U.S. or travel internationally after September 15, 2026
- Whether you are applying for a program extension or employment authorization
- Your individual immigration history
If you are already in the United States in valid F-1 or J-1 status before September 15, 2026, you will generally not automatically lose your current immigration status when the new rule takes effect.
The final rule includes transition provisions for many individuals already in the United States. However, future international travel or other immigration events may result in your admission under the new rule.
Because each person’s situation is unique, International Services recommends speaking with an advisor before making travel plans or requesting immigration benefits.
Students and scholars entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026, should expect to receive a Form I-94 showing a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) rather than “D/S.”
Maintaining lawful immigration status will continue to require compliance with all F-1 or J-1 regulations, including full-time enrollment (if applicable), maintaining valid immigration documents, and following employment authorization requirements.
According to DHS, the purpose of the final rule is to:
- Create a more standardized admission process for F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants.
- Improve consistency between immigration records and authorized periods of stay.
- Enhance immigration compliance and enforcement.
- Align admission procedures with broader federal immigration policies.
While these changes modify how lawful stay is documented, they do not change the academic eligibility requirements for F-1 students or J-1 exchange visitors.
International Services is actively preparing for implementation of the new regulations by:
- Reviewing federal guidance issued by DHS, USCIS, SEVP, and the Department of State.
- Updating university procedures and advising materials.
- Developing educational resources for students, scholars, faculty, and staff.
- Providing training to campus partners.
- Monitoring future regulatory guidance and implementation updates.
As additional information becomes available, this webpage will be updated to reflect the latest federal guidance.
If you have questions about how the new rule may affect your individual circumstances, please contact International Services before making immigration-related decisions, including:
- International travel
- Program extensions
- Employment authorization
- Changes of immigration status
- Academic program changes
Our advisors are available to help you understand your options and maintain your immigration status.
Because the Final Rule is extensive and introduces significant changes to how F-1 and J-1 students and scholars maintain and extend lawful status in the United States, many of its provisions will require additional guidance and clarification from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State (DOS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). As these agencies issue implementation guidance and the higher education community continues to analyze the rule, our interpretation of certain provisions may evolve.
International Services will continue to monitor new federal guidance and update this resource as additional information becomes available. We encourage students, scholars, faculty, staff, and campus partners to review this page periodically for the latest information and guidance.