Effective Date: September 15, 2026

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that significantly changes how F-1 students are admitted to and maintain lawful status in the United States. Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students will no longer be admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). Instead, they will be admitted for a fixed period of stay and, in many cases, must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay (EOS) to remain in the United States.

Fixed Period of Admission

Under the current system, F-1 students remain in the United States for as long as they maintain their status by pursuing a full course of study or participating in authorized practical training.

Effective September 15, 2026, students will be admitted for a fixed period based on the program end date listed on their Form I-20, not to exceed four years, plus:

• Up to 30 days before the program start date to enter the United States; and
• 30 days after completing the program or authorized OPT/STEM OPT to depart or obtain another lawful status.

Students must now carefully monitor the expiration date on their Form I-94, as it—not the Form I-20—will govern their authorized period of stay.

Extension of Stay (EOS)

Students who need additional time to:

• Complete their program of study;
• Begin a new academic program;
• Participate in post-completion OPT; or
• Participate in a STEM OPT extension,

must obtain any required DSO recommendation and timely file Form I-539 with USCIS, including the required filing fee and biometrics, if applicable.

Alternatively, eligible students with a valid F-1 visa may depart the United States and seek readmission to obtain a new Form I-94 reflecting an updated period of admission.

New Restrictions

The rule also imposes significant limitations on academic changes.

Change of Major

• Undergraduate students generally may not change majors during their first academic year without SEVP approval for extenuating circumstances.
• Graduate students generally may not change majors during their program of study.

Change of Educational Level

• Undergraduate students generally may not change educational levels during their first academic year.
• Graduate students generally may not change educational levels during their program.
• After completing a program, students generally may not begin another program at the same or a lower educational level.

School Transfers

• Undergraduate students generally must complete their first academic year before transferring to another school.
• Graduate students generally may not transfer during their program of study unless SEVP authorizes an exception.

Special Admission Limits

The rule also establishes shorter admission periods for certain students:

• English language students: Maximum of 24 months, plus a 30-day grace period.
• Public high school students: Maximum aggregate attendance of 12 months.
• Border commuter students: Continue to receive fixed periods of admission.

Practical Impact

This final rule shifts the responsibility for maintaining F-1 status from the former Duration of Status framework to a fixed admission period with a formal USCIS extension process. Students must carefully monitor their Form I-94 expiration date, timely apply for an Extension of Stay when necessary, and plan ahead for OPT, STEM OPT, transfers, or additional academic programs.

Failure to timely extend an authorized period of stay may result in loss of lawful F-1 status, making careful planning and compliance more important than ever.

If your audience is prospective or current international students, this version strikes a good balance between legal accuracy and readability while remaining concise.