End of Duration of Status Updates
The Department of Homeland Security published a Final Rule on Duration of Status on July 17, 2026. We are currently reviewing the final rule to assess the impact on members of our international community on F and J visa status and will update this page as we learn more information. Given the complexity of this regulation change, the information provided is intended as a general overview. We will share details regarding specific implementation timelines, policies, and procedural steps with students and scholars specifically impacted as guidance becomes available from the Department of Homeland Security.
The rule is set to go into effect on September 15, 2026, and should not impact international students currently enrolled in Language Schools and Summer Programs this summer 2026.
Middlebury International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is currently analyzing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s final rule that establishes a fixed period of admission, extension of stay procedures, and other changes that affect F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 status holders. Changes are currently set to begin on September 15, 2026. We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.
Duration of status will end.
Currently, individuals who enter the U.S. in F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 status are generally granted “duration of status” or “D/S.” This means that they may remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain their valid immigration status. Under the new regulation, students in these categories will be admitted for a fixed period of up to four years, or until the program end date listed on their Form I-20/DS-2019 or EAD (for OPT/STEM OPT), whichever is earlier.
The image below, of a current I-94 record, shows that the visa holder has D/S as the “Admit Until Date.” The impact of this new end date regulation should be seen in this field on the I-94 record from September 15 onward.
Extension of stay applications may be necessary.
F-1 and J-1 status holders will need to request an extension of stay (EOS) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they need more time to complete their educational objectives, including post-completion training (OPT, STEM OPT, or Academic Training). Changes in educational levels, school transfers, and other events may also require an EOS application. If an F-1 or J-1 has a dependent/dependents, they must also file for EOS.
The F-1/F-2 grace period will be reduced.
The current 60-day grace period will be reduced to 30 days. This will be included in the calculation of the Admit Until Date (AUD).
Changes in educational objectives will be limited.
- F students below the graduate level cannot change their educational objective (defined as “educational level or major”) until after their first year of study. After completing their program, they cannot change to a program at or below the completed program level (for example, bachelor to bachelor or bachelor to associate). SEVP may authorize an exception for “extenuating circumstances.”
- F students at the graduate level cannot change their educational objective (defined as “educational level or major”) at any point.
Transfers will be limited.
- F students below the graduate level cannot transfer to another school in the first year. SEVP may authorize an exception for “extenuating circumstances.”
- F students at the graduate level cannot transfer to another school at any point. SEVP may authorize an exception for “extenuating circumstances.”
There will be a transition period for certain eligible F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 status holders.
- Fs and Js who arrive in the U.S. prior to September 15, 2026, and were admitted for D/S will not receive a new I-94 but will have an Admit Until Date (AUD). The AUD will be earliest of the following:
- 4 years + 60 days for Fs (November 14, 2030) or 4 years + 30 days for Js (October 15, 2030)
- Program end date on I-20 + 60 days for Fs or DS-2019 + 30 days for Js
- Expiration date of EAD + 60 days
- Those in F-1 status who were admitted with D/S can apply for OPT or STEM OPT before March 18, 2027, without the need to file for EOS.
- Students who applied for OPT or STEM OPT prior to September 15, 2026, do not need to file for EOS or re-file the I-765.
- Those who travel abroad and return to the U.S. after September 15, 2026, will be subject to the new rule and will not benefit from the transition period, even if they were previously admitted with D/S.
Communication Plan
ISSS will prioritize communication and outreach to students in F or J visa status who may be impacted, based on when those impacts are expected to occur. Timing and outreach may vary depending on each student’s individual circumstances. We recommend those in F or J visa status monitor their Middlebury email closely.
Throughout the fall semester, ISSS will provide updates by hosting webinars and in-person meetings, 1:1 advising meetings, and through email.
If there are direct impacts to a department or area within Middlebury, ISSS will be in contact to discuss further.
External Resources
Study in the States (DHS): Final rule FAQ
NAFSA: Duration of status explainer
Updated 8/6/2026