FAQ: Changes to F-1 Student Admission Periods (Loss of D/S)
Final Rule Published: July 17, 2026
Effective Date: September 15, 2026
What is changing for F-1 students?
Currently, most F-1 students are admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S). Under the new regulation, students will instead be admitted until a specific Admit Until Date (AUD).
Under D/S, students could generally remain in the U.S. as long as they maintained F-1 status and made normal progress toward completing their academic program. Under the new rule, admission will be tied to the program end date on the Form I-20 (not to exceed four years), plus a 30-day grace period.
What does 'D/S' mean?
Duration of Status (D/S) means an F-1 student may remain in the United States as long as they:
- Maintain valid F-1 status
- Enroll and make normal academic progress
- Follow all F-1 regulations
Under the current system, there is no specific expiration date listed on the student's I-94 admission record.
What is an Admit Until Date (AUD)?
An Admit Until Date (AUD) is a specific date by which a student must either:
- Complete their studies,
- Obtain an approved Extension of Stay (EOS),
- Transfer to another authorized program (if eligible), or
- Depart the United States.
The AUD generally corresponds to the program end date on the Form I-20 plus a 30-day grace period.
How will I know my Admit Until Date?
Your Admit Until Date will appear on:
- Your I-94 admission record when you enter the United States, or
- Your I-797 approval notice if U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves an Extension of Stay.
Unlike D/S, the I-94 will contain a specific expiration date.
What happens if I need more time to complete my program?
Under the current D/S system: Your Designated School Official (DSO) can extend your I-20 if you are making normal academic progress and meet regulatory requirements.
Under the new rule: You must obtain an Extension of Stay (EOS) through one of the following methods:
- File Form I-539 with USCIS, or
- Travel outside the United States and re-enter with updated immigration documents.
USCIS—not the school—will determine whether the extension is approved.
Will my DSO still approve program extensions?
DSOs will continue to recommend extensions in SEVIS and provide documentation supporting your request. However, the final decision will be made by USCIS.
USCIS may review:
- Academic progress
- Financial resources
- Supporting documentation
- Potential fraud concerns
What happens if I forget to apply for an Extension of Stay?
This is one of the most significant changes.
Current D/S system: A student who fails to extend their I-20 is generally considered out of status, but unlawful presence is not automatically accrued.
New AUD system: If you fail to timely apply for an Extension of Stay, you may immediately become subject to overstay provisions and begin accruing unlawful presence.
Students should pay very close attention to their Admit Until Date.
Is the grace period changing?
Yes.
Current rule: 60-day grace period after program completion
New rule: 30-day grace period after program completion
How does OPT change?
Current rule: OPT applications are filed with USCIS.
New rule: Students applying for OPT will generally need:
- An OPT application, and
- An Extension of Stay filing with USCIS
Students who currently hold a D/S notation have a special provision allowing a six-month period to apply for OPT without also filing an I-539.
Can I pursue another program after completing my current degree?
Current rule: Students may continue into another program, even at the same degree level.
Example:
- Associate of Arts → Associate Degree in Nursing
New rule: Students may generally continue only to a higher degree level.
Example:
- Associate Degree → Bachelor's Degree
Are transfer rules changing?
Yes.
Current rule: A student may transfer schools shortly after arrival and enroll within 30 days of entry.
New rule: A transfer is generally available only after completing one academic year in the United States.
Some students may need an Extension of Stay before transferring.
Can language students transfer directly to JCCC?
Current rule: Students from language programs may generally transfer directly to JCCC.
New rule: Many language students will need to:
- Obtain an Extension of Stay, or
- Travel and re-enter the United States
before beginning studies at JCCC.
Can I change my major?
Current rule: Students may change majors as part of their normal academic progression.
New rule: Major changes are restricted during the first year of study and may require approval from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
SEVP will review whether qualifying circumstances exist.
Examples may include:
- School closure
- School unable to provide in-person instruction
- Other causes recognized by SEVP
Students pursuing master's or higher degree programs may face additional restrictions on changing majors.
Who decides whether I can extend my stay, transfer, or change my major?
Current system: DSOs and schools generally manage these processes according to federal regulations.
New system: The following agencies will have a larger role in reviewing and approving requests:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
These agencies will determine eligibility for:
- Extensions of Stay
- First-year major changes
- Certain transfers
What if I currently have a D/S notation on my I-94?
Students currently in the United States with a D/S notation may remain lawfully present until:
- The program end date listed on their I-20, or
- The expiration date of their approved OPT,
provided that date occurs before November 14, 2030.
What happens if I travel internationally after the new rule takes effect?
Students who currently have a D/S notation and travel outside the United States after the rule becomes effective will generally be readmitted under the new system and receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) on their I-94.
Should I speak with an attorney before applying for an Extension of Stay?
Because Extension of Stay requests will be adjudicated by USCIS, students should carefully review their options. DSOs can provide immigration information and SEVIS recommendations, but students may wish to consult a qualified immigration attorney regarding whether filing Form I-539 is appropriate for their situation.
Where can I get help?
Contact International and Immigrant Student Services (IISS) if you have questions about:
- Your Form I-20
- Your Admit Until Date
- Program extensions
- Transfers
- Major changes
- OPT eligibility
- Travel plans
We are here to help you understand how these changes may affect your academic journey. This is still a developing situation, we will continue to update this as we learn more from the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Here are some resources for your review.