On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule eliminating Duration of Status for certain nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors. The rule was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Please visit our Duration of Status Rule Change webpage for additional information and updates.
 

Update: On September 14, 2026, a U.S. federal judge has issued an order blocking the new rules from going into effect at this time. As a result, the new rules will not take effect on September 15, 2026, and the current immigration rules remain in place while the court case continues.

News

Alt text: A group of graduates in maroon caps and gowns with gold stoles smile and celebrate at a graduation ceremony in a stadium.

Congratulations on completing the spring 2026 semester!

F-1 and J-1 international students must complete their studies once they have met all of their degree requirements. Unfortunately, you may not take extra classes in a future semester once you have completed your degree requirements.  

Once you complete your degree requirements, you have a number of options regarding your immigration status. Please review our Completing your Degree Program webpage for those options.  

  • F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after their degree completion date.
  • J-1 students have a 30-day grace period after their degree completion date.  

Completed this semester?

Please check with your academic advisor if you are unsure whether or not you completed your degree requirements after the completion of the spring 2026 semester.