September 2026 | Student Immigration Update
The Department of Homeland Security has moved toward significant changes to the way certain F, J, and I nonimmigrants are admitted to the United States.
Traditionally, many F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors have been admitted for Duration of Status (D/S) rather than being given a specific expiration date on their Form I-94. Under the new framework, DHS is replacing D/S with fixed periods of admission for affected nonimmigrants.
What Is Duration of Status?
Duration of Status has generally allowed qualifying students and exchange visitors to remain in the United States while they continue to properly maintain their immigration status and participate in their authorized program, rather than requiring them to leave or request an extension based solely on a fixed I-94 expiration date.
Moving away from D/S means that maintaining a valid I-20 or DS-2019 may no longer, by itself, determine how long someone is authorized to remain in the United States.
What Changes?
Under the new framework, affected F, J, and I nonimmigrants may be admitted until a specific date. Individuals who need additional time could therefore have to apply for an extension of stay.
DHS says the change is intended to allow immigration authorities to periodically review whether individuals continue to qualify for their nonimmigrant status.
What About Students Already in the United States?
The rule includes transition provisions for certain F and J nonimmigrants who were previously admitted for D/S. Depending on the person’s circumstances, that transition can extend for as long as four years, provided the individual continues to properly maintain status.
Because the rules surrounding status, program dates, travel and extensions can be complicated, students should pay close attention to their Form I-94, Form I-20 or DS-2019, and any applicable expiration dates.
Before traveling, changing programs or schools, extending a program, or making another significant change to your immigration status, consider speaking with an immigration attorney about how the new requirements apply to you.
