Changes to Duration of Status
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that changes how F-1 and J-1 visa holders are admitted to the United States. The new rule takes effect September 15, 2026. This page summarizes what is changing, when it takes effect, and how ETSU is helping students prepare for the transition.
The Final Rule in Brief
On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule to end Duration of Status for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Following a public comment period and OMB review, DHS published the final rule on July 17, 2026. The rule is titled "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" and takes effect on September 15, 2026.
More information can also be found on the NAFSA website here: NAFSA | Duration of Status
What is changing under the final rule?
The published rule includes several significant departures from the previous Duration of Status 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 previous Duration of Status allowed 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 new rule 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 cannot 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 former extension process was managed by the university and did not require a formal government application.
- A prohibition on lateral or reverse matriculation. F-1 students cannot pursue a program at the same or lower educational level after completing one.
Transition Provisions for Current Students
F-1 and J-1 students already in the U.S. on the effective date (September 15, 2026) with a D/S notation on their Form I-94 do not have to immediately apply for a date-certain I-94. However, they must apply for an extension of stay to remain in status beyond the earlier of EITHER the program end date on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, OR four years from the rule's effective date. Transition students are also subject to the new academic restrictions in varied ways.
If you are currently in F-1 or J-1 status with "D/S" on your Form I-94 and are inside the U.S. on September 15, 2026, you will remain in the transition group only as long as you stay in the U.S. If you travel internationally and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will admit you under the new framework with a fixed I-94 end date. Before making international travel plans between now and Fall 2026, please contact your DSO so we can help you understand the implications for your specific situation.
Reprieve for OPT and STEM OPT Applicants
The final rule includes a short-term reprieve related to OPT. Students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT employment authorization during the first six months after the rule takes effect (September 15, 2026 - March 15, 2027) will not be required to file a formal Form I-539 extension of status during that window.
What should students do now?
Until September 15, 2026, the current Duration of Status framework remains fully in effect. No immediate action is required for most students. Beginning September 15, 2026, new F-1 and J-1 admissions and transitions will follow the fixed period of admission framework described above.
Students already in the U.S. on the effective date will transition to a fixed I-94 date based on their current program end date, plus the applicable grace period, not to exceed four years from the rule's effective date.
Students should:
- Continue full-time enrollment and academic progress under current rules.
- Confirm your contact information is current with the Office of International Enrollment and Services. Submit an update form if necessary.
- If you anticipate needing more than four years to complete your program, contact your DSO as soon as possible for planning support.
- If you are planning international travel between now and Fall 2026, contact IES first. International travel and re-entry after September 15, 2026 has specific implications for your immigration status.
- Watch for a direct email from IES with information specific to your situation.
How is ETSU preparing?
Now that the final rule has been published, the Office of International Enrollment and Services (IES) is moving from monitoring into implementation ahead of the September 15, 2026 effective date. In the coming weeks, IES will:
- Send direct communications to F-1 and J-1 students explaining how the transition applies to their individual situations.
- Host information sessions for students, faculty, and academic advisors.
- Update advising resources and workflows to reflect the new framework.
- Coordinate with University Counsel and academic units on institutional implementation questions.
Students are encouraged to watch for direct emails from IES, check this page for updates, and reach out with individual questions about their situation.
Questions? Please contact the Office of International Enrollment and Services at international@etsu.edu.