DHS Rule Changes
New immigration regulations affecting F-1 academic students and J-1 exchange visitors starting on September 15, 2026.
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule changing requirements for F-1 and J-1 students and exchange visitors. Changes affect admission periods, program completion, academic changes, and Extension of Stay (EOS) requirements.
Students and exchange visitors should understand the new requirements and how they may affect immigration status, academic changes and benefits.
What To Do Now
F-1 and J-1 students should review the following:
Before September 1, 2026
- Review Your Form I-20: Confirm your major, program end date, and graduation timeline. Submit a Program Extension Request by September 1 if additional time is needed.
- Attend an Information Session: Register for an information session to learn how the new regulations may affect you.
After September 15, 2026
- Review Your I-94: Check your I-94 expiration date, which determines your authorized period of stay.
- Understand the Extension of Stay (EOS) Process: Students who need additional time to complete their program or participate in certain benefits, such as OPT, may need USCIS approval through the new EOS process.
Key Changes
- Fixed Admission Period: F-1 and J-1 admission will be based on the program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed four years.
- Extension of Stay (EOS) Process: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval is required to extend the period of stay for students who need additional time or participation in OPT.
- Shorter F-1 Grace Period: Reduced from 60 to 30 days after program completion.
- English Language Training Programs: Limited to a maximum aggregate period of 24 months.
- Academic Changes: New restrictions apply to transfers, majors, and educational-level changes.
- Lateral/Reverse Matriculation: Students may not pursue lateral or reverse matriculation after completing their program.
FAQs: DHS Final Rule
Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 academic students and J-1 exchange visitors will receive a fixed period of admission instead of Duration of Status (D/S). The rule also introduces a new Extension of Stay (EOS) process, reduces the F-1 grace period from 60 days to 30 days and places new restrictions on academic mobility and educational progression.
The Admit Until Date (AUD) is the last day you are authorized to remain in the United States. It appears on your Form I-94 and replaces Duration of Status (D/S).
Your AUD is generally based on your program end date (up to four years) plus the applicable departure period.
An Extension of Stay (EOS) is a new USCIS application required when eligible students need additional time to remain in the United States beyond their Admit Until Date.
You may need an EOS to:
- Complete your academic program
- Participate in OPT or STEM OPT
- Begin a new eligible academic program
It depends. The new regulations place restrictions based on your current educational level.
- Students enrolled below the graduate level (e.g., bachelor’s or non-degree programs): You may not transfer during your first year of study and must complete your first academic year at the school that issued your initial Form I-20.
- Students enrolled at the graduate level or above (e.g., master’s or doctoral programs): Np. You may not transfer at any point during your program of study.
Contact International Services before making any academic changes to confirm eligibility and maintain your immigration status.
It depends. The new regulations place restrictions based on your current educational level.
- Students enrolled below the graduate level (e.g., bachelor’s or non-degree programs): You may not change your educational level during your first year of study. After completing your first year, you may request a change of educational level; however, you must first obtain approval for an Extension of Stay (EOS) from USCIS, including payment of the required filing fee and completion of any required biometrics.
- Students enrolled at the graduate level or above (e.g., master’s or doctoral programs): You may not change your educational level at any point during your program of study.
Contact International Services before making any academic changes to confirm eligibility and maintain your immigration status.
Yes; however, there are restrictions on when and the types of students who can change their major.
- Students enrolled below the graduate level: You may not change your major during your first academic year unless SEVP authorizes an exception based on extenuating circumstances.
- Students enrolled at the graduate level or above: No. Students enrolled in graduate or doctoral programs may not change their major during their program of study.
SEVP extenuating circumstances may include, but are not limited to, a school closure or a school’s prolonged inability to hold in-person classes due to a natural disaster, a student needing to change schools to complete elementary or secondary education, or other cause.
Contact International Services before making any academic changes to confirm eligibility and maintain your immigration status.
You may continue to a higher educational level (for example, bachelor’s to master’s or master’s to doctorate). However, the new regulations generally prohibit beginning another program at the same or lower educational level after completing your current degree.
Depending on when you apply and whether you travel after September 15, 2026, you may also need to submit an Extension of Stay application.
Students who remain continuously in the United States after September 15, 2026, generally may continue under the transition provisions. Students who leave and reenter the United States after the effective date will generally receive a fixed period of admission and should review their Form I-94 carefully after arrival.
