Elimination of "Duration of Status" for F & J Visa Holders

The effective date will be September 15, 2026.

Previously, the I-94 of F and J visa holders listed “D/S” (Duration of Status) — meaning you could stay in the U.S. as long as you were maintaining your F-1 or J-1 program requirements.

Effective September 15, 2026, instead of D/S, you will receive a fixed end date on your I-94. The Admit Until Date (AUD) will reflect your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date plus a 30 day grace period. You may only remain in the US until that specific date unless you apply for and receive an extension approval through USCIS.

Your I-94 record will now show a specific expiration date (not “D/S”) the next time you re-enter the United States. You can check your I-94 online after entry into the US to confirm your authorized stay period. Students currently in the US will receive a fixed end date based on their current I 20/DS 2019 program end date plus a 30 day grace period, not exceeding four years.

Yes. Current students would be permitted to remain in the US until their I-20/DS-2019 program end date, or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) end date not to exceed four years. Transitioning students will also continue to have a 60-day grace period after their program or EAD end date unless they travel internationally and re-enter the United States.

Any F or J visa holder currently inside the US who travels outside the country and re-enters after September 15, 2026 will have a fixed 'Admit Until Date' (AUD) which will include a 30-day grace period.

After obtaining an extended I-20 or DS-2019, you will need to file a formal extension application with USCIS by submitting an I-539 form online opens a new website. The fee for the I-539 is $420 for online applications ($470 for paper applications). I-539 applications will also require proof of funding for the remainder of your program as well as biometrics at a USCIS office. You must include any dependents on your application.

In addition, F or J visa holders with valid visa stamps may also apply for admission with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a port of entry and receive a new Form I-94 opens a new website with a new period of admission based on their updated Form I-20 or DS-2019 and supporting documentation.

Extensions of stay would be granted for the duration of your I-20, DS-2019, or OPT up to 4 years.

F and J visa holders can apply for an extension of stay once they are within 180 days of their 'Admit Until Date' (AUD). It's strongly recommended to apply for an extension of stay at least 30 days prior to your AUD.

DHS will only approve extensions of stay (EOS) for:

• Compelling academic reasons
Documented medical conditions Extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control

Extensions will only be granted only for the length of time needed to complete the program.

Yes, up to 240 days after your Admit Until Date (AUD) as long as you apply for an extension of stay 30 days prior to your AUD.

Yes. F-2 and J-2 dependents can be added to the primary F-1 or J-1 visa holder's I-539 opens a new website extension of stay application or apply for an extension with US Customs and Border Protection via international travel assuming they possess a valid visa stamp and are not citizens of a country currently on a travel ban list.

ESL students will only be permitted to pursue language training for up to 24 months under the new policy. After 24 months they must take steps to pursue an academic degree program.

In the event that a F1 or J1 visa holder does not file a timely extension, the student will have to file an I-539 reinstatement application through USCIS as soon as possible or depart the United States.

A denial of the extension of stay would mean a student or scholar is out of status, and would eliminate the ability to study or work in the US. The student or scholar would be required to depart the US immediately.

Transfers at the Graduate level are prohibited entirely under the new policy. Undergraduate students must complete one year of study before requesting a transfer to another university. After completing a degree F and J students may only pursue another degree at a higher degree level (i.e. Bachelor's to Master's). Pursuing a degree at the same or lower degree level will not be permitted after the new policy goes into effect.

Changing to a higher degree level will require an extension of stay application through USCIS or an extension request via travel through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

OPT and STEM OPT will still be an option for eligible F-1 visa students. As mentioned above, a six month transition period would allow students applying for OPT (or Academic Training for J1 students) to avoid filing an I-539 for an extension of stay with their I-765 application for employment authorization. After that period, both the I 765 and an approved extension of stay would be required.

• Apply for OPT (or Academic Training for J1s) before March 15, 2027 → Only file the I 765.
• Apply for OPT (or Academic Training for J1s) after March 15, 2027 → File both the I 765 and the I 539.

Yes, if you have a valid visa stamp and I-20 or DS-2019 you may travel outside the United States. However as previously mentioned, upon re-entry you will have a fixed 'Admit Until Date' (AUD) on your I-94 arrival record that reflects either your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date, or employment authorization document (i.e. OPT) end date up to four years.

If you are certain you will need additional time to complete your degree program or research objectives beyond the current program end date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019, you can take the required steps to extend your F or J status before September 15, 2026.

• Learn more about about F-1 Extensions
• Read additional information about J-1 extensions

In addition if you have any plans to change your degree program, you can make an appointment to discuss your situation with ISSS staff.