What are the U.S.’s proposed “period of status” rule changes? What this means for F-1 students
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Department of Homeland Security) is about to implement a rule that will significantly change how international students and exchange visitors maintain legal status in the United States.
The proposal would replace the long-standing “duration of status” (D/S) admission with a fixed end date on Form I-94. This will require many students and academics to seek formal government approval to extend their stay.
The rule is still under review but will likely take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
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What is “state duration”?
The term “duration of status” describes the time a nonimmigrant in F, J, or I status is allowed to remain in the country after being admitted using Form I-94.
Currently, most F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors receive an I-94 marked “D/S” (Duration of Status), allowing them to remain in the United States while continuing in an approved academic or exchange program.
Regular course deferrals are typically authorized by the university’s Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) rather than through a separate USCIS application.
However, DHS believes that replacing D/S with fixed access periods will improve oversight, enhance program integrity, and enhance national security.
What would change under the proposed rule?
1. International students will receive an I-94 with a specific expiration date rather than an indefinite period of status. The entry period usually matches the expected course length or four years, whichever is shorter.
The period of valid stay in the United States is called the “entry deadline.” The current D/S “admission deadline” policy does not set a deadline, allowing students and scholars to remain in the country until their F-1/J-1 activity is completed.
2. Anyone needing additional time must submit a formal extension of stay application to USCIS and pay the required filing fee.
3. The proposal would shorten the grace period for F-1 students after they complete their studies from 60 days to 30 days. During this time, students can prepare to leave the United States, transfer to another school, or apply for other immigration benefits.
The J-1 grace period will remain unchanged at 30 days as it already follows that schedule.
4. The proposal seeks to limit the total duration of English language training to 24 months.
In addition, undergraduate F-1 students may not transfer or change their “educational goals” during their first academic year.
F-1 graduate students will be prohibited from changing their “educational goals” or transferring institutions at any stage of their studies.
5. The proposal would also prevent F-1 students from starting another academic program at the same or lower educational level in the United States after completing their previous program.
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What happens if this rule goes into effect?
According to NAFSA, the final rule completed review by the Department of Homeland Security in May 2026. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs completed its review on June 17, 2026. The rule is ready for publication in the Federal Register any time now. If announced, it would take effect 60 days later.
Universities across the United States are preparing for the possibility of sweeping operational changes. Agencies may face higher compliance costs, increased immigration advisory responsibilities and greater legal risks.
Schools may also need to redesign administrative procedures to monitor student status and handle deferrals, which will strain students’ schedules.
Higher education groups warned the proposal could impact international student enrollment, research collaborations and faculty hiring. they think the requirement immigration office Granting routine extensions will increase costs and processing delays for students who already maintain legal status.
Currently, the proposed rule Not yet effective. International students and exchange visitors continue to follow the existing duration of status framework until DHS publishes the final rule in the Federal Register.
