Changes to Duration of Status

Beginning September 15, 2026, DHS will end the use of Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 students.

Instead of being admitted for the length of your academic program, students will be admitted until a specific date listed on their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record when they enter the United States. This date will be based on the program end date listed on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day grace period.

If you need additional time in the United States beyond the date listed on your I-94, you will generally need to apply for an extension of stay with USCIS or depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from CBP upon reentry before your authorized stay expires.

At this time, OIS recommends that all F-1 and J-1 students:

• Review the program end date and major listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
• Submit a program extension request if your program end date is incorrect.
• Submit a new I-20 request if the major listed on your I-20 is incorrect.
• Continue monitoring your Fordham email and this webpage for additional updates.

The new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.

Students who are already in the United States in F-1 or J-1 status before this date will generally remain under the current Duration of Status framework during the transition period.

However, students who leave the United States and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026 will generally be subject to the new fixed-period admission system and will receive an updated I-94 Arrival/Departure Record reflecting their authorized period of stay.

If you anticipate needing additional time to complete your program, you should request a program extension from OIS immediately.

Prior to September 15, 2026, eligible program extensions may generally be processed by OIS.

After the rule takes effect, students who require additional time beyond their authorized period of stay will generally need to apply for an extension of stay with USCIS or depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from CBP upon reentry

Students are encouraged to plan ahead and submit extension requests as early as possible.

Yes.

Under the new regulation, the F-1 grace period following completion of your academic program will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

During the 30-day grace period, eligible students may:

• Prepare to depart the United States;
• Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT);
• Transfer to another SEVP-certified school, if eligible; or
• Apply for a change of status, if eligible.

The J-1 grace period remains unchanged at 30 days.

The final rule introduces additional restrictions on certain academic changes for F-1 students.

• For undergraduate students, changes to majors, academic programs, or educational levels are generally not permitted during the first academic year.
• For graduate students, changes to academic programs, majors, or educational levels are generally prohibited, except in limited circumstances authorized under the regulations.

In addition, students who complete a degree program generally may not begin another program at the same or a lower educational level (e.g., Master’s to Master’s or Ph.D. to Master’s)..

If you are considering changing your academic plans, you should consult with OIS before making any decisions.

Yes.

OIS is closely monitoring additional guidance from DHS and USCIS and will continue to update this webpage as new information becomes available.

OIS will also host an informational workshop on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to discuss the new rule and answer student questions. The workshop time and Zoom link will be emailed to students soon. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office for International Services at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.