Direct answer
Starting 15 September 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will replace the F-1 student “duration of status” (D/S) admission with a fixed admission period tied to the program end date on Form I-20, capped at four years, plus a 30-day arrival period and a 30-day departure period. This change is established by a final rule published in the Federal Register on 17 July 2026 and applies to F academic students, J exchange visitors, and I foreign media representatives. The rule eliminates the open-ended D/S admission and introduces a formal Extension of Stay (EOS) process for students who need more time. All details below are drawn solely from the supplied facts; where DHS has not yet published specific implementation guidance, this article says so explicitly.
What the final rule changes
The final rule, published on 17 July 2026 in the Federal Register, establishes fixed admission periods and an EOS procedure for F, J, and I nonimmigrants. The rule becomes effective on 15 September 2026. Before that date, F-1 students continue to be admitted under the old D/S system. The rule is designated as a major rule and is subject to congressional review. The final rule text states that if the effective date changes after congressional review, DHS will publish the actual effective date or termination of the rule in the Federal Register. DHS has said that content on Study in the States and ICE.gov/SEVP will be updated on and after 15 September 2026 to reflect the final rule. Until then, official guidance may still reflect the old D/S rules.
Admission periods and caps
Under the new rule, an F-1 student is admitted for the program length shown on Form I-20, but not more than four years, plus a 30-day arrival period before the program start date and a 30-day departure period after the program end date. The 30-day departure period replaces the previous 60-day grace period. Specific caps apply to certain program types:
- English language training programs: admission is limited to 24 months, plus a 30-day departure preparation period.
- U.S. public high schools (including charter schools and similar taxpayer-funded schools): the total time to complete studies is capped at 12 months, including all holidays and annual leave.
- Border commuter students: continue to be admitted for fixed entry dates.
For any F-1 student, the 30-day arrival period before the program start date remains in effect. After the program end date or after the end of post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, the student now has 30 days to depart or otherwise obtain lawful status. DHS explicitly states this is reduced from the previous 60 days.
Extension of stay (EOS) procedure
Students must apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay (EOS) in three situations: needing more time to complete the current program, starting a new program, or engaging in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT. The process requires the student to request EOS from their Designated School Official (DSO) and then file an application with USCIS. The application to USCIS must include filing Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status), submitted in a timely manner, with the required fee and biometric information. Alternatively, an F-1 student with an unexpired visa may depart the U.S. and apply for admission at a port of entry to CBP, using updated SEVIS records and supporting documents to receive a new Form I-94 and a new admission period, provided they meet eligibility and admissibility requirements.
Restrictions on changing educational levels
Under the new rule, F-1 students in programs below the graduate level cannot change educational level during the first academic year, unless SEVP approves an exception for special circumstances. Students in graduate-level or higher programs cannot change educational level during the program. After completing one program, a student is prohibited from transferring to a lower educational level (for example, from a master’s program to a bachelor’s program). These restrictions apply to new admissions and reentries on or after 15 September 2026.
Transition rule for current F-1 students
For F-1 students who are physically present in the U.S. on the effective date (15 September 2026) and were previously admitted under D/S, the transition rule allows them to remain without applying for EOS until their Form I-20 program end date, or until the end of any post-completion OPT or STEM OPT that is valid on the effective date, but no later than 14 November 2030 (four years plus the 60-day departure period). If they wish to stay beyond that date, they must apply for EOS. This transition period is specifically defined in the final rule; no other transition arrangements are part of the supplied facts.
FAQ
When does the fixed admission period take effect?
The rule becomes effective on 15 September 2026. Before that date, F-1 students continue to be admitted under the old D/S system. The rule is a major rule subject to congressional review; if the effective date changes, DHS will announce the new date or termination in the Federal Register.
What is the maximum admission period for an F-1 student under the new rule?
The admission period is the program length on Form I-20, capped at four years, plus 30 days before the program start and 30 days after the program end. English language training programs are capped at 24 months plus 30 days. Public high school programs are capped at 12 months total.
How does the transition rule work for students already in the U.S.?
Students present in the U.S. on 15 September 2026 and previously admitted under D/S may stay without applying for EOS until their Form I-20 program end date or the end of their OPT/STEM OPT, but no later than 14 November 2030. After that, they must apply for EOS to remain.
What is the new grace period after program completion?
After the program end date or after OPT/STEM OPT ends, students have 30 days to depart or obtain another lawful status. This is reduced from the previous 60-day grace period.
When must a student apply for an Extension of Stay?
A student must apply for EOS when they need more time to complete the current program, start a new program, or engage in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT. The application is made to USCIS using Form I-539, with fees and biometrics.