Duration of Status (D/S) Final Rule
ISSS is currently assessing the impact of the establishing a fixed admission period (elimination of Duration of Status) for our international students and scholars. We understand that many of you have questions and concerns relating to the Final Rule, however, we want to ensure that any guidance we provide is accurate, complete and reliable. Please monitor your university email and this page for updates and further guidance.
Overview
On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a in the Federal Register establishing a fixed period of admission for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. The Final Rule goes into effect on September 15, 2026.
Summary of Key Changes
Fixed Admission: The authorized period of stay for F and J students will be their program end date not to exceed 4 years plus a 30-day grace period.
- Transition Provisions for Current Students: F or J status students and dependents in the U.S. on September 15, 2026 will be transitioned to a period of authorized stay either to the end date of the current I-20/DS-2019 OR 4 years from the Effective Date, whichever is shorter.
- New students arriving in the U.S. after September 15, 2026: will have an Admit Until Date (AUD) of the end date of their current I-20/DS-2019 plus 30 days OR 4 years plus 30 days, whichever is shorter.
- Current students who travel abroad and re-enter the U.S. after September 15, 2026 will have an Admit Until Date (AUD) of the end date of their current I-20/DS-2019 plus 30 days OR 4 years plus 30 days, whichever is shorter.
Extension of Stay (EOS) Process: Students who need additional time to complete their program will need to submit an EOS application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Restrictions and limitations on changes of educational level and SEVIS transfers:
- Graduate students will be prohibited from changing their major.
- Undergraduate students may only change major after the completion of one academic year.
- Students who complete a program at one educational level will only be allowed to begin another program at a higher educational level as an F-1 student.
- Students will be prohibited from changing to the same or a lower educational level.
Additional Information
- What should I do right now?
- Continue to maintain F-1 status by following the current immigration requirements.
- Plan your academic progress carefully and ensure that you are able to complete your program by the Program End Date listed on your I-20. If you will require additional time to complete your program, please review our I-20 Extensions page and submit your I-20 extension request at least two weeks prior to September 15, 2026.
- Carefully consider the necessity of international travel. If you travel and re-enter the U.S. after the Effective Date, your I-94 admission record may reflect a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) rather than Duration of Status (D/S).
- If you are eligible to apply for Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT, start the process as early as possible.
- Monitor your university email and this webpage for updates and further guidance.
- Support
ISSS remains committed to supporting our international students and scholars, and we will continue to provide timely, accurate information as more guidance becomes available.
We are currently assessing the impact of the new rule for our international students. We understand that many of you have questions and concerns relating to the Final Rule, however, we want to ensure that any guidance we provide is accurate, complete and reliable.
As always, you can reach us by email at international-office@sjsu.edu, by phone at 408-924-5920 or during . We offer walk-in advising, online and in-person appointments, and a Zoom Q&A for quick questions. We are here for you.
- Upcoming WebinarsWe are planning to hold webinars to share more information about the Final Rule and to respond to your questions. Webinar information will be updated as available.
- Resources
Contact Us
San José State University
One Washington Square
Student Union
San Jose, CA 95192-0135
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 9am – 4:30pm
