Proposed Changes to Duration of Status
A federal rule has been proposed that would change how F-1 and J-1 visa holders are admitted to the United States. This page summarizes the proposal, what it means if finalized, and how ETSU is preparing.
The Proposal in Brief
On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would end Duration of Status for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. The official title of the proposal is "Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media." This is only a proposal as of June 9, 2026.
The Association of International Educators (NAFSA) has provided the following summary: "The proposed DHS rule would replace “duration of status” admissions with fixed end dates on Form I-94, require students and exchange visitors to file formal extension applications with USCIS, shorten grace periods, and impose new limits on program changes."
What would change if finalized?
The proposed rule includes several significant departures from the current framework:
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- A fixed period of admission to the United States, recorded as a hard end date on the Form I-94. This new "admit until date" is the period of a student's lawful stay in the U.S. The current Duration of Status allows students to remain in the U.S. until their F-1/J-1 academic program ends (no fixed date).
- A shortened grace period after academic program completion. The grace period is a period of lawful stay in the U.S. after completing an academic program. The current proposal shortens the grace period from 60 days to 30 days.
- Undergraduate student restrictions on transferring institutions and changes of educational objectives during their first year. This includes changing education levels or academic majors.
- Graduate student restrictions on transferring institutions or changing educational objectives or levels. Graduate students will not be able to transfer or change academic programs at any point in their degree program.
- A formal Form I-539 extension of stay process through USCIS for students who need additional time to complete a program. The current program extension process is managed by the university and does not require a formal government application.
- A prohibition on lateral or reverse matriculation. F-1 students could not pursue a program at the same or lower educational level after completing one.
What does this mean for students right now?
At this time, there are no changes. The current Duration of Status framework remains fully in effect while the proposal is under federal review. No immediate action is required for students. Everything continues under the current rules.
How is ETSU preparing?
The Office of International Enrollment and Services (IES) is actively monitoring the status and reviewing possible impacts. Because the rule has not been finalized and may still change, IES is not advising on hypothetical situations at this time. Once the final rule is announced, we will issue specific guidance directly to affected students.
In the meantime, the best way to stay informed is to watch for emails from International Enrollment and Services, check this page periodically for updates, and reach out with any individual questions about your situation.
Questions? Please contact the Office of International Enrollment and Services at international@etsu.edu.