Duration of Status (D/S) Rule Change Frequently Asked Questions

When F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors enter the U.S., a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer determines how long they may remain and records that information on their Form I-94. This is different from a visa, which only allows for travel to a U.S. port of entry to request admission.

For more than 30 years, most F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). Instead of receiving a specific end date on their Form I-94, their record showed "D/S," allowing them to remain in the U.S. as long as they maintained their immigration status.

Under this system, schools and exchange program sponsors could often extend a student's immigration documents when additional time was needed, without requiring them to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors could also transfer schools, change education levels, or continue authorized practical training while maintaining the same D/S admission.

Beginning September 15, 2026, this system will end for most F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents. Instead of being admitted for D/S, they will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 that determines how long they are authorized to remain in the U.S.

The final rule was published on July 17, 2026, and is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.

Because the rule is classified as a major rule, Congress may review it under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). While Congress has the authority to delay or overturn the rule, this process is uncommon and requires approval by both the House and Senate, as well as action by the President.

If the effective date changes or the rule is overturned, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will announce the update in the Federal Register.

At this time, the rule remains scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.

This is the biggest change introduced by the new rule.

Previously, most F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). Under the new rule, most individuals seeking admission or a change of status to F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94.

The Admit Until Date (AUD) will generally be the earlier of:

• The program end date on the Form I-20 or DS-2019; or
• 4 years from the date of admission.

Note: Although the new regulations do not specifically address passport validity, CBP may also limit the period of admission based on the passport's expiration date.

F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors should monitor their Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 and take action before it expires if additional time is needed.

The new rule changes how F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors request additional time in the U.S.

Currently, most individuals are admitted for Duration of Status (D/S), allowing DSOs and AROs to update program end dates in SEVIS when additional time is needed without USCIS approval.

Under the new rule, individuals will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94. If they need to remain beyond that date, they will generally need to request an Extension of Stay from USCIS before their authorized stay expires.

An Extension of Stay may be needed for situations such as:

• Extending an academic program
• Transferring schools or changing academic levels.
• Continuing authorized practical or academic training.

ISSC will provide additional guidance as more information becomes available.

If additional time is needed, the ISSC will first determine whether the individual qualifies for an extension under existing F-1 or J-1 requirements.

Examples may include:

• An F-1 student needing more time to complete a degree program due to approved academic or medical reasons.
• An F-1 student continuing authorized Post-OPT or STEM OPT.
• A J-1 student needing additional time to complete a program or Academic Training.
• A J-1 scholar continuing an approved research, teaching, or training activity.

Unacceptable reasons for requesting an extension of stay may include F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who are:

• on academic probation,
• on academic suspension, or
• have demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to complete coursework (for example, repeatedly failing classes),

If approved, the DSO or ARO can update SEVIS and issue an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019.

Under the new system, however, a SEVIS update alone may not extend an individual’s authorized stay. If the Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 occurs before the new program end date, the F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor may need to request an Extension of Stay from USCIS before remaining in the U.S.

If additional time is needed beyond the Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94, the individual must file an Extension of Stay application with USCIS before the Admit Until Date passes.

An Extension of Stay application generally includes:

• Submitting Form I-539 application and the required filing fee.
• An updated Form I-20 or DS-2019.
• Documentation showing continued eligibility for F-1 or J-1 status.
• Any additional information requested by USCIS.

USCIS makes the final decision on all Extension of Stay applications.

If filed before the Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors may generally remain in the U.S. while USCIS reviews the application. Employment or training authorization may continue in certain situations depending on the F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors status.

Filing only during the 30-day grace period may allow an F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor to remain while USCIS reviews the request, but authorized activities such as employment or practical training may not continue until approval is received.

Instead of filing an Extension of Stay application, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors may choose to leave the U.S. and request a new period of admission by re-entering in F-1 or J-1 status.

To re-enter, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will generally need:

• A valid Form I-20 or DS-2019.
• A valid F-1 or J-1 visa, unless exempt from the visa requirement.
• A passport, valid at least 6 months into the future - though your passport expiration date may impact your new Admit Until Date (AUD).
• A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if applicable.

If admitted, CBP will issue a new Form I-94 with a new Admit Until Date (AUD) based on the updated program dates and new rule requirements.

Factors to consider when deciding between an Extension of Stay application and travel include:

• Visa validity and the need for a new visa.
• Visa appointment availability and processing times.
• Potential delays or visa denial.
• Travel restrictions or other entry concerns.
• Other immigration impacts.

Consult with the ISSC before deciding which option is best for your situation.

If an Extension of Stay application is approved:

• USCIS will grant additional time in the U.S. and provide a new Form I-94 with a new Admit Until Date (AUD). The new Form I-94 will be included on the Form I-797 approval notice.
• The individual may continue their approved academic program, research activity, practical training, or Academic Training, as long as they continue meeting all F-1 or J-1 requirements.

If an Extension of Stay application is denied:

• The F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor may no longer have authorization to remain in the U.S. after the denial. The F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor would be expected to depart the U.S. to avoid accruing unlawful presence.
• The denial may affect their ability to complete their academic program, exchange activity, or continue employment or training that requires authorization.

Under the new rule, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will generally receive an admission period based on their program or activity, up to 4 years, whichever is shorter.

This does not create a 4-year limit on studying. The ISSC may continue issuing Forms I-20 and DS-2019 for programs that extend beyond 4 years.

The 4-year limit applies only to the Admit Until Date (AUD) granted by CBP or USCIS. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors may remain beyond that period if they continue to meet status requirements and obtain any required Extension of Stay approval.

The rule reduces the F-1 grace period from 60 days to 30 days, aligning it with the J-1 grace period. This change affects timelines for departure, school transfers, change of status, change of education level, and Post-OPT applications.

F-1 students admitted for Duration of Status (D/S) before September 15, 2026, will generally keep the 60-day grace period under the transition provisions until they receive a new Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 through travel, an approved Extension of Stay, or another qualifying event.

Once issued a new Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 under the new rule, the F-1 student will be subject to the 30-day grace period.

The new rule introduces the term “educational objectives” and changes requirements for certain F-1 academic changes and school transfers.

An educational objective generally includes:

• Major or field of study.
• Educational level (such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level).

Examples of changes in educational objective include:

• Changing majors.
• Adding or pursuing another degree.
• Changing educational levels.
• Pursuing a second degree at the same level.

Requirements for these changes differ for undergraduate and graduate students.

Under the new rule scheduled to go into effect on September 15, 2026, undergraduate F-1 students will have some restrictions during their first academic year.

During the first academic year, F-1 undergraduate students generally may not:

• Transfer to another school.
• Change their major.
• Change to a different educational level.

After completing the first academic year, F-1 undergraduate students may generally transfer schools, change majors, or change educational levels, as long as they continue to meet F-1 requirements.

The new rule scheduled to go into effect on September 15, 2026, creates additional restrictions for F-1 students at the graduate level and above.

Under the new rule, F-1 graduate students generally will not be able to change their educational objective after entering the U.S. to begin their program of study.

This means until F-1 graduate students complete their current educational objective, they generally may not:

• Change their major or field of study.
• Change to a different degree program.
• Change to a different educational level.
• Transfer to another institution.

F-1 students should carefully consider their academic plans before entering the U.S. to begin a graduate program, as changes that were previously possible may no longer be allowed under the new rule.

Examples:

• An F-1 student who starts an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering cannot switch to an M.S. in Computer Science.
• A Ph.D. F-1 student in Cell Biology cannot change to a Ph.D. in another field.
• An F-1 student cannot add a second degree after beginning their original degree program.
• A Ph.D. F-1 student's principal investigator (PI) moves to another university. Under the new rule, the student will be prevented from transferring to continue their studies with that PI.

Under the new rule, F-1 students who earn a degree on or after September 15, 2026 are generally expected to move to a “higher” educational level after completing a program.

After completing a program, F-1 students generally may not begin another program at the same or lower educational level while remaining in F-1 status.

Examples:

F-1 students should carefully plan their next academic program, as moving to the same or a lower educational level may not be permitted under the new rule.

The new rule also affects F-2 and J-2 dependents because their status is tied to the primary F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor.

Under the new rule:

• Most dependents will receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 instead of Duration of Status (D/S).
• The Admit Until Date will generally align with the primary F-1 or J-1 individual's authorized stay.
• If the primary F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor requests an Extension of Stay, dependents will generally need to extend their status as well, often by filing a Form I-539 application together.
• Dependents already in the U.S. in D/S status before September 15, 2026, generally do not need to take immediate action.

Dependents will transition to the new admission system when the primary F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor enters the new system through travel, an Extension of Stay application, or another change requiring a new admission period.

The new rule changes how unlawful presence may begin for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors.

Under the previous Duration of Status (D/S) system, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors generally did not begin accruing unlawful presence simply by exceeding a program end date or unintentionally violating status.

Under the new rule:

• F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will have a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94.
• Remaining in the U.S. beyond that date without an approved or timely filed Extension of Stay or another lawful status may result in unlawful presence.

F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors should:

• Review their Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 after entry.
• Take action early if additional time is needed.
• Contact ISSC with questions about their status.

Unlawful presence can have serious immigration consequences including:

• More than 180 days of unlawful presence: May result in a 3-year bar from re-entering the U.S. after departure.
• 1 year or more of unlawful presence: May result in a 10-year bar from re-entering the U.S. after departure.

Deciding whether to return to the U.S. before the rule takes effect is a personal decision based on individual circumstances. ISSC cannot advise students to change travel plans solely due to this rule change.

If admitted to the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026:

• Your Form I-94 will include a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) instead of “D/S.”
• The Admit Until Date will generally be based on the earlier of your program end date or 4 years from admission, plus the applicable 30-day grace period.
• For students on Post-OPT/STEM OPT/AT, the Admit Until Date will generally be based on the EAD/AT end date plus the applicable 30-day grace period.

Consider the following before traveling:

• Passport and visa expiration dates.
• Form I-20/DS-2019 program end date or OPT/AT authorization period.
• Potential travel delays or advisories.
• Travel restrictions or Presidential Proclamations that may affect your return.
• CBP’s authority to make the final admission decision upon arrival.

Before travel, review ISSC travel guidance and ensure your immigration documents are valid. After returning, check your new Form I-94 for accuracy.

No. Changes to immigration regulations do not automatically require F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors to obtain a new F-1/J-1 visa.

A valid F-1/J-1 visa may continue to be used for travel as long as you remain eligible to return to the U.S. Remember that a visa is a travel document that allows you to request entry to the U.S.; it does not determine how long you may remain in the country.

No. Your F-1/J-1 visa allows you to request admission to the U.S. A F-1/J-1 visa does not determine how long you are authorized to remain in the U.S.

Your Admit Until Date (AUD) on your Form I-94 determines how long you are authorized to remain in the U.S. after you are admitted. Therefore, the new rule changes how long you may remain in the U.S. It does not change the validity period of your F-1/J-1 visa.

Verify for accuracy the following information:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Immigration classification
• Admit Until Date (AUD)
• Port of entry

If you discover an error in the information listed on your Form I-94, you will need to contact the local Phoenix Deferred Inspection Office so that they can correct the information on your Form I-94.

Deferred Inspection Office Location: 
2035 N. Central Avenue 
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Hours of Availability 
The office is currently open and accepting walk-ins on a first come, first serve basis. 
Tuesday & Wednesday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

We recommend taking the following documents with you:

• I-20/DS-2019
• Passport
• Form I-94

If you are located outside the Phoenix area and need to get your Form I-94 corrected at a Deferred Inspection Site, please visit CBP’s deferred inspection site in order to locate the closest office.

F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, will generally be admitted with a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) listed on their Form I-94.

If F-1 students or J-1 exchange visitors authorized stay ends before they are able to complete their program of study, and/or are eligible to apply for Post-OPT/STEM OPT/AT, they may need to concurrently file an Extension of Stay application with USCIS along with their Post-OPT/STEM OPT application.

F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors should review the Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 and work with the ISSC before their authorized stay expires. Do not wait until after your Admit Until Date on your Form I-94 has passed to take action.

Like F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, most F-2 and J-2 dependents who enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, will generally be admitted for a specific period of time instead of being admitted for Duration of Status (D/S).

Instead of showing “D/S,” their Form I-94 will generally include an Admit Until Date (AUD), which indicates the date through which they are authorized to remain in the U.S.

The new rule does not create a separate period of authorized stay for F-2 or J-2 dependents. Their authorized stay generally follows the same period of stay as the principal F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor.

A period of authorized stay is the amount of time an F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor student is permitted to remain in the U.S. based on their F-1/J-1 status.

It generally includes:

• Time needed to complete the program listed on the Form I-20/DS-2019.
• Authorized benefits such as Post-OPT, STEM OPT or Academic Training.
• The applicable grace period after program completion.

The new rule changes how authorized stay is determined. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors should consult ISSC for guidance on how these changes may affect their individual situation.

No. The 4-year maximum does not limit you to only 4 years to complete your academic program and/or pursue post-graduation employment authorizations.

The initial admission period is generally based on the length of your Form I-20/DS-2019 program, up to 4 years. Certain periods, such as the 30 days before program start and the 30-day grace period after completion, do not count toward this limit.

If you need additional time beyond your current authorized stay, work with ISSC and submit an Extension of Stay application to USCIS before your Admit Until Date passes.

Leaves of absence and other interruptions continue to be governed by the existing F-1/J-1 regulations and university policies.

However, because your authorized period of admission now has a specific Admit Until Date (AUD), extended interruptions may require additional immigration planning.

F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors anticipating an interruption in their academic program should consult ISSC as early as possible so that the immigration implications can be reviewed before any action is taken.

If you complete your master’s degree program before September 15, 2026, yes, you may pursue another master’s degree.

However, although the regulations appear to permit this, you should be prepared to explain your reasons for pursuing the same degree level, if questioned, when applying for immigration benefits with USCIS, seeking admission to the U.S. with CBP, or applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you complete your master’s degree program on or after September 15, 2026, no. These rule changes prohibit F-1 students from pursuing another program at the same degree level.

If you complete your master’s degree program before September 15, 2026, yes, you may pursue a lower degree level.

However, although the regulations appear to permit this, you should be prepared to explain your reasons for pursuing a lower degree level, if questioned, when applying for immigration benefits with USCIS, seeking admission to the U.S. with CBP, or applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you complete your master’s degree program on or after September 15, 2026, no. These rule changes prohibit F-1 students from pursuing another program at a lower degree level.

If you complete your bachelor’s degree program before September 15, 2026, yes, you may pursue a lower degree level.

However, although the regulations appear to permit this, you should be prepared to explain your reasons for pursuing a lower degree level, if questioned, when applying for immigration benefits with USCIS, seeking admission to the U.S. with CBP, or applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you complete your bachelor’s degree program on or after September 15, 2026, no. These rule changes prohibit F-1 students from pursuing another program at a lower degree level.

If you complete your bachelor’s degree program before September 15, 2026, yes, you may pursue another bachelor’s degree.

However, although the regulations appear to permit this, you should be prepared to explain your reasons for pursuing the same degree level, if questioned, when applying for immigration benefits with USCIS, seeking admission to the U.S. with CBP, or applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you complete your bachelor’s degree program on or after September 15, 2026, no. These rule changes prohibit F-1 students from pursuing another program at the same degree level.

You are eligible to change your education level prior to September 14, 2026. If you wish to do so, please speak to your ASU academic advisor and initiate this change. You will need to submit the Change of Education Level eForm no later than September 1, 2026, so the ISSC may issue you a new I-20 prior to September 14, 2026.

Starting September 15, 2026, you will not be permitted to change your education level. These rule changes will prevent graduate students from changing their education level at any point in their program of study.

The new regulations provide that students who complete a degree program in F-1 status on or after September 15, 2026, may not pursue another degree at the same or a lower academic level in F-1 status. Because you will complete your current master's degree in H-4 status, this restriction should not apply to you. As a result, you should remain eligible to pursue another master's degree after changing to F-1 status.

However, although the regulations appear to permit this, USCIS may still consider your reasons for pursuing a second master's degree when adjudicating your change of status application. Similarly, if you later apply for an F-1 visa, a consular officer may ask you to explain your academic plans and why you are pursuing another degree at the same academic level.

ASU considers a J.D. degree to be at the doctorate level.

ASU considers MBA and MA/MS degrees to be the same degree level. They are all master’s degrees.

No. An Extension of Stay application is only required if you need additional time in the U.S. beyond the Admit Until Date (AUD) listed on your Form I-94.

For example, if you are admitted for three years but complete your degree program in two years, you may not need an Extension of Stay to apply for Post-OPT, as long as you remain within your authorized period of stay and meet all OPT eligibility requirements.

An Extension of Stay may be required if the Admit Until Date (AUD) on your Form I-94 does not cover the entire period of your requested authorized training period.

F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors should review the Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 and immigration documents with ISSC when planning for program completion, OPT, AT, or any additional time in the U.S.

Under the new fixed-date admission rule, some F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors may need to request additional time to remain in the U.S. beyond the Admit Until Date (AUD) listed on their Form I-94.

An Extension of Stay application (Form I-539) is an application submitted to USCIS to request additional time in F-1/J-1 status.

A Form I-20/DS-2019 extension and/or a Post-OPT/STEM OPT I-20 request through the ISSC does not automatically extend your authorized period of stay in the U.S. if your Form I-94 has a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD).

F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who may need additional time beyond their current Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 should work with the ISSC well in advance to understand the required steps.

Form I-539 is the USCIS application used by certain nonimmigrants to request an Extension of Stay or a change of nonimmigrant status. For F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors affected by the new fixed admission rule, the relevant use would be requesting additional time to remain in F-1/J-1 status beyond the Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94.

It is not:

• an extension of the I-20/DS-2019,
• a request for work authorization,
• a request submitted through SEVIS,
• something the DSO approves.

The DSO/ARO supports the student by maintaining SEVIS information and issuing an updated I-20/DS-2019, but USCIS evaluates and makes the decision on the Form I-539 Extension of Stay application.

1. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors work with the ISSC to apply for an I-20/DS-2019 extension before the current program end date and/or apply for Post-OPT/STEM OPT/AT.
2. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors file a Form I-539 application with USCIS after obtaining their updated I-20/DS-2019. F-1 students seeking Post-OPT or STEM OPT must also file Form I-765 to apply for the specific work authorization.
3. USCIS instructions currently indicate that applications for extension of stay generally should be filed before the current authorized stay expires.
4. USCIS reviews and adjudicates the application and will make a final decision.

USCIS may require you to:

• Attend a biometrics appointment so they can gather your information (fingerprints, photo, etc.)
• Attend an interview (at USCIS discretion)
• Provide proof of sufficient financial resources, including evidence of funds for at least one academic year and a plan for funding the remainder of the program

These requirements are part of USCIS’s process to verify identity, eligibility, and financial capability.

Academic programs do not always progress exactly as planned. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors at all degree levels may need additional time to complete their program due to legitimate academic reasons.

Examples include:

• Additional coursework or research requirements.
• Research, fieldwork, or experiment delays.
• Dissertation revisions or committee changes.
• Other unexpected academic circumstances.
• Medical reasons.

If additional time is academically necessary, ISSC may issue an updated Form I-20/DS 2019 when permitted under F-1/J-1 regulations.

However, if your Admit Until Date (AUD) on your Form I-94 expires before your new program completion date, you may also need to obtain an additional authorized period of stay. Please remember that USCIS, not ASU, has the authority to determine whether the required legal and regulatory criteria are satisfied for an Extension of Stay.

Not automatically, but it may allow you to remain in the U.S. while USCIS processes your application.

If you timely file a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, before your current Admit Until Date (AUD) on your Form I-94, you may remain in the U.S. while your application is pending.

• If you file before your 30-day departure period begins, you may remain in the U.S. for up to 240 days while your Extension of Stay application is pending. During this period, you may continue your studies and, if otherwise eligible, continue authorized on-campus employment, curricular practical training (CPT) or academic training.
• If you file during the 30-day departure period, you may remain in the U.S. while your Extension of Stay application is pending and continue your studies. However, you may not engage in on-campus employment, CPT or academic training unless and until USCIS approves your application.

Filing a Form I-539 application does not automatically extend your F-1 or J-1 status or employment authorization. USCIS must approve your application before your authorized period of stay is extended.

F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors requesting an Extension of Stay must file a Form I-539 application before the expiration of the Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94. The Admit Until Date includes the 30-day period after completing a degree program or a period of authorized Post-OPT/STEM OPT/AT.

Do not wait until your Admit Until Date on your Form I-94 is about to expire. If you believe you will need additional time to complete your academic program or continue an authorized F-1/J-1 benefit, contact the ISSC as early as possible to discuss your options and any required next steps.

If approved, an Extension of Stay may be granted for the amount of time needed to complete your academic program or participate in an authorized F-1/J-1 benefit, consistent with applicable immigration regulations.

The length of an approved extension is determined by USCIS based on your individual circumstances and the documentation submitted with your application.

Students must request a program extension before the program end date listed on their Form I-20/DS-2019.

If your Form I-20/DS-2019 program end date has already passed, you are generally no longer eligible for a standard I-20/DS 2019 program extension through the ISSC. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to explore other options, such as applying for reinstatement to F-1/J-1 status or departing the U.S. and applying for a new I-20/DS-2019.

If your I-20/DS 2019 program end date has passed or you are unable to complete your program by your current program end date, contact the ISSC immediately to discuss your options.

There is no single answer that applies to everyone.

For some individuals, international travel may be the simplest way to obtain a new Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94. For others, remaining in the U.S. and filing an Extension of Stay may be more appropriate.

Factors to consider include:

• whether you already plan to travel internationally.
• whether you have (or can obtain) a valid visa for reentry.
• visa appointment wait times and consular processing delays.
• whether you have a pending immigration application that could be affected by travel.
• travel restrictions or Presidential Proclamations that may affect your return.
• financial cost.
• academic or research obligations.
• family considerations.
• the amount of additional time you need.

Because every situation is different, ISSC cannot recommend one option over the other in every case. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors should consult ISSC before making significant travel decisions if additional authorized stay may be needed.

For most F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who were previously admitted for Duration of Status (D/S), traveling outside the U.S. and being readmitted will generally place them under the new admission system.

After re-entry:

• Your Form I-94 will include an Admit Until Date (AUD) instead of “D/S.”
• The Admit Until Date (AUD) will generally be the earlier of:
  • The program end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019; or
  • 4 years from the date of admission.

Note: Although the new regulations do not specifically address passport validity, CBP may also limit the period of admission based on the passport's expiration date.

If your program ends earlier than 4 years, your Admit Until Date will generally align with your I-20/DS 2019 program end date. If your program extends beyond 4 years, your initial admission period will generally be limited to 4 years.

Generally, yes. For F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors admitted before September 15, 2026, under Duration of Status (D/S), international travel followed by re-entry will generally end the transition provisions.

After re-entry, you will be subject to the new fixed-period admission system and may need to obtain additional authorized stay before your Admit Until Date on your Form I-94 expires if you need more time in the U.S.

After every international trip, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors should promptly retrieve and review their new Form I-94.

Verify that:

• Your immigration classification is correct (F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2).
• Your Admit Until Date (AUD) aligns with your expected period of admission.
• Your name and passport information are accurate.
• There are no errors in your admission information.

If you believe your Form I-94 contains an error, contact ISSC as soon as possible. Errors are often easier to correct shortly after entry.

Not necessarily. The new rule does not prohibit international travel or require F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors to remain in the U.S. to maintain status. Travel remains an important part of academic and personal activities.

However, travel after September 15, 2026, may result in admission under the new fixed-period system. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors should understand how a new Admit Until Date may affect future planning, especially for extended programs, research, or employment authorization.

Consult ISSC before traveling if you have questions about how the new rule may affect your situation.

Most F-2 and J-2 dependents entering the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, will generally be admitted for a fixed period of stay instead of Duration of Status (D/S).

• Their Form I-94 will include an Admit Until Date (AUD).
• Their authorized stay will generally align with the principal F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor Admit Until Date.
• The rule does not create a separate admission period for dependents.

In most cases, dependents will receive the same Admit Until Date as the principal F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor.

Families should review each family member’s Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 after every entry to confirm the information is correct.

Generally, yes.

• F-2 and J-2 dependents will generally need additional authorized stay if the principal F-1 student or J-1 exchange extends their stay.
• Dependents are typically included in the same Extension of Stay filing when appropriate.

Families should consult ISSC before filing to ensure all required applications are submitted.

• The principal F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor and dependents may receive a new Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 after reentry.
• Each family member should review their own Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 to confirm the correct classification and Admit Until Date.
• Families should not assume all members automatically receive identical admission records.

A change in the principal F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor’s immigration status may affect F-2 or J-2 dependents.

F-2/J-2 dependents may need to:

• Change to another dependent classification.
• Qualify independently for another immigration status.
• Depart the U.S.

Consult ISSC before filing any change-of-status applications.

No. The rule changes how long F-2 dependents are admitted, but it does not change existing F-2 regulations.

• F-2 spouses remain ineligible for employment authorization.
• F-2 dependents remain subject to existing study and activity restrictions.

No. J-2 spouses may continue to apply for employment authorization under existing USCIS regulations.

J-2 dependents should monitor:

• Their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration date.
• The Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94.

Both must remain valid for continued employment authorization.

Most F-2/J-2 dependents do not need to take immediate action solely because the rule takes effect.

Families should:

• Review each Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 after international travel.
• Monitor Admit Until Dates.
• Keep passports valid.
• Plan Extensions of Stay and travel together.
• Contact ISSC before changes to employment, status, or extended stays.

Planning as a family can help prevent situations where family members have different authorized stay end dates.