Important Policy Update: End of "Duration of Status" for F and J Status Holders
On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final ruling eliminating "Duration of Status" (D/S) for F and J nonimmigrant students and scholars. This rule introduces a defined period of stay with a fixed end date and will take effect on September 15, 2026 (60 days after its publication in the Federal Register).
The SUU International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team closely monitors these regulatory adjustments. We understand this change raises questions, and we are actively reviewing the final rule to support the Southern Utah University community. This page will be updated continuously as official implementation guidance unfolds.
What is Changing?
Historically, F-1 and J-1 students and scholars were admitted to the United States for "Duration of Status" (indicated as D/S on the Form I-94). This framework allowed individuals to remain lawfully in the U.S. for as long as they maintained their visa status and continued their academic or exchange programs.
Under the new ruling:
- Fixed End Dates: F and J visa holders will no longer receive a D/S designation. Instead, they will be admitted until a specific, fixed end date on their Form I-94.
- Impact on Program Milestones: This shift directly impacts timelines for completing degree programs, applying for OPT/STEM OPT, transferring institutions, changing academic levels, or starting entirely new programs.
Key Implications to Watch
Beyond the elimination of D/S, the final ruling introduces several critical implications to be aware of:
- Four-Year Maximum Cap: F and J visa holders will only be admitted until the program end date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed a maximum period of 4 years.
- USCIS Application Required for Extensions: If you require additional time to complete your degree beyond the date on your I-94, you will be required to apply for an Extension of Stay by submitting Form I-539 directly to USCIS with the assistance of your SUU International Advisor.
- The grace period of F-1 students after program completion has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days for students admitted under the rule.
- F-1 students applying for OPT or STEM OPT will need to file both Form I-765 for employment authorization and Form I-539 for extension of stay.
- Note: A 6-month temporary transition period will be granted after the rule takes effect for those seeking to apply for OPT.
- Undergraduate and Intensive English Program students will not be permitted to transfer schools in their first year of study.
- Graduate students will not be permitted to change their program or transfer to a different institution while in the United States.
- Students wishing to pursue another degree in the U.S. must do so at a higher education level than the previously earned degree.
- Intensive English Program students will be restricted to a maximum of 24 month admission period on their I-94 as opposed to 4 years.
What should you do right now?
ISSS encourages you to verify the program end date on your current I-20 or DS-2019 and compare to your anticipated degree completion date. If you do not know your anticipated degree completion date please contact your Student Success Advisor to create a degree plan. If you will not complete your degree prior to the end date of your I-20 or DS-2019 please contact your International Advisor to explore your options for a Program Extension.
ISSS is mapping out institutional workflows to make navigating these new extension rules as seamless as possible. Please bookmark this page and keep an eye on your university email for upcoming informational updates.
Resources for More Information:
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Duration of Status” or “D/S” is the current admission used for F-1 and J-1 students, scholars, and dependents, instead of being admitted to the U.S. until a specific calendar date. Under the new rule, F and J visa holders will instead be admitted until a specific date listed on their Form I-94.
The rule will take effect on September 15, 2026 which is 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Students and scholars should continue to follow current F-1 and J-1 status requirements while ISSS reviews the rule and provides additional guidance.
Yes, the program end date listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019 will continue to be very important. Under the new rule, the I-94 end date will be tied to the program end date listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years or 2 years for Intensive English Program students.
Intensive English Program students will need to complete the IEP program within 2 years. Upon completion of the IEP program, students will be able to file for a Change of Education Level and Extension of Stay.
F and J visa holders will not be admitted for more than 4 years at a time. If your program requires more time, you will need to apply for an Extension of Stay with USCIS before your I-94 end date.
An extension of stay is an application submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through Form I-539 requesting additional time in the United States. Under the new rule, ISSS will issue a recommendation for extension, but USCIS will make the final decision on whether to approve it.
No. Students and scholars should not file Form I-539 unless they have been advised to do so based on their specific situation. ISSS is reviewing the final rule and will provide additional guidance about who may need to file, when filing will be required, and what documentation may be needed.
The formal EOS application (Form I-539) is filed by the student directly with USCIS. Neither ISSS nor an academic program can file or approve a USCIS application on a student's behalf. Extending your stay is a collaborative effort: Student Success Advisors and Program Coordinators verify that you are making satisfactory academic progress, and ISSS provides procedural guidance and issues the updated Form I-20. Ultimately, gathering documentation, paying fees, and submitting the EOS to USCIS on time is the student’s responsibility.
F-1 students will still be required to make progress toward completing their academic program. Under the new rule, academic progress will become even more important. Academic patterns that may create concerns include repeated course failures, withdrawals, academic probation/suspension, or changes to academic plans that delay completion.
No. Under the new rule, graduate students are not eligible to change programs while in the United States.
OPT is still an option; however, F-1 students applying for post-completion OPT should carefully consider whether they will need to file an extension of stay application to ensure they maintain lawful status for the duration of their requested OPT period. Students are encouraged to review their individual circumstances and consult with an international student advisor to determine whether an extension is necessary.
The rule includes a temporary transition period for some F-1 students applying for OPT or STEM OPT. During the first 6 months after the rule takes effect, some eligible students may not need to file Form I-539 with their Form I-765.
This transition protection may not apply to all students. Students who travel internationally after the effective date and re-enter the United States may lose eligibility for the transition protection and may be subject to the new fixed-date admission rules.
Students and scholars should carefully consider international travel after the rule takes effect (September 15, 2026). Travel and re-entry after the effective date will result in a new I-94 with a fixed end date.
Yes, but transition rules may apply. F and J students and scholars who are in the United States admitted with duration of status prior to September 15, 2026 can remain in the United States until the Program End Date listed on their Form I-20 or the end of their post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extension, not to exceed November 14, 2030 (four years, plus a 60-day departure period).
Incoming students who enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 will be admitted directly under the new fixed-period framework rather than D/S. ISSS will provide guidance on any practical implications for I-20 issuance and reporting dates as it becomes available.
F-2 and J-2 dependents may also need to be included in an Extension of Stay request if they need to remain in the United States beyond their I-94 end date. A dependent’s authorized stay generally cannot extend beyond the authorized stay of the principal F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor.
The rule does not change eligibility for on-campus employment tied to a student’s F-1 or J-1 status. However, because continued status will now depend on a timely EOS filing, a lapse in filing could jeopardize a student’s authorization to work. Please pay close attention to your I-20/DS-2019 program end date and I-94 end date and work closely with your International Student Advisor before beginning employment.