End of Duration of Status: What the New F-1 Rules Mean for International Students and Universities

Most F-1 students entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will receive a specific expiration date tied to their academic program rather than admission for “duration of status.” In most cases, that period will be limited to four years. Students and universities will need to plan earlier for extensions, transfers, travel, and post-completion options.

For decades, F-1 students were admitted to the United States for “duration of status,” commonly shown as “D/S” on Form I-94. Under that framework, a student could generally remain in lawful status while pursuing a full course of study or authorized practical training and complying with the requirements of the F-1 classification. A final rule published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security replaces that open-ended admission with a specific “Admit Until Date” on Form I-94. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, subject to any subsequent federal action affecting the effective date.

1. Fixed Admission Periods Replace D/S

For admissions on or after the effective date, Form I-94 will generally show a specific expiration date based on the program end date listed on Form I-20, subject to a maximum admission period of four years. Students should treat the I-94 date—not merely the visa stamp or Form I-20—as a critical compliance deadline.

• The admission period will generally track the program dates on Form I-20, up to four years.
• Students in longer programs—including some doctoral, dual-degree, and medical training programs—may need to request an extension of stay before the I-94 expiration date.
• Remaining beyond a fixed I-94 date can create serious immigration consequences, including unlawful-presence concerns and possible bars to reentry.

2. Extensions of Stay Move to USCIS

A designated school official may update a student’s academic record and Form I-20, but an I-20 extension alone will not extend a fixed period of admission. A student who needs more time to complete a program, begin a new program, or pursue post-completion OPT or STEM OPT may need to file Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before the current period of admission expires.

Potential grounds for additional academic time may include:

• A documented medical condition;
• Compelling academic reasons; or
• Unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control.

Ordinary academic delay may not be enough. Academic probation or failure, a change in personal plans, or repeating previously failed coursework may present significant challenges. Because extension adjudication is fact-specific and discretionary, students should begin planning well before their I-94 expires.

Will your program run beyond your current admission period? Our attorneys can help you assess filing dates, eligibility grounds, and the evidence needed for an extension request. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

3. New Limits on Transfers and Academic Changes

In addition to setting fixed admission periods, the rule limits when some F-1 students may transfer schools, change programs, or begin another course of study.

• First-year transfer limits: Undergraduate students may face restrictions on transferring during their first academic year, subject to limited exceptions.
• Graduate-level restrictions: Graduate students may face tighter rules when changing institutions or programs while enrolled.
• Progression requirements: After completing a program, students may be restricted from beginning another program at the same or a lower educational level.
• English-language training: Enrollment in English-language-only programs is generally limited to an aggregate period of 24 months.

4. The Post-Completion Departure Period Drops to 30 Days

The rule reduces the departure period after completion of a program—or after post-completion OPT or STEM OPT—from 60 days to 30 days. That shorter window leaves less time to depart the United States, begin an eligible new program, or file an appropriate change-of-status request.

Considering H-1B, O-1, an investor-based option, or another status after F-1? Schedule a strategy session early to address filing deadlines, work authorization, travel, and possible gaps in status.

5. Travel May Trigger a Fixed Expiration Date

Students admitted under D/S before the effective date receive transitional treatment. After international travel, however, a student may be issued a new Form I-94 with a fixed expiration date upon reentry. Students should therefore review the effect of travel on their admission period before leaving the United States and verify the new Form I-94 after returning.

• Review the program end date on Form I-20.
• Confirm the validity of the F-1 visa and passport.
• Retrieve and verify the new Form I-94 after every entry.
• Consider whether sufficient time remains to complete the academic program or authorized practical training.

What F-1 Students and Universities Should Do Now

The end of D/S will make the Form I-94 expiration date a central compliance deadline. Students should check that date after each admission, compare it with their Form I-20 and academic timeline, and seek advice early if they expect to need more time. Universities should identify students whose programs may extend beyond their admission period and build earlier reminders into advising and international travel guidance.

Our immigration attorneys work with students, families, and schools on extension filings, transfers, program changes, travel questions, and longer-term employment or investment-based options. The right approach will depend on the student’s dates, academic plans, and immigration history.