By Nobel University | 7/16/2026
Back in May, we told you that a proposed rule to end “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F-1 students was still under government review, with nothing final yet. That has now changed. On July 16, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule ending D/S for F, J, and I visa holders. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what you should do about it.
1. What’s changing
Right now, F-1 students are admitted for “Duration of Status” — meaning your authorized stay lasts as long as you remain enrolled and in good academic standing, with no fixed expiration date on your I-94. Under the new rule, that changes:
- Fixed admission period. New F-1 students (and current students the next time their admission is renewed) will be admitted for a set period — generally the length of their program — capped at four years, plus a short grace period.
- Shorter grace period. The post-completion grace period is shortening from 60 days to 30 days.
- English-language program cap. Students in English-language training programs will be capped at 24 months total.
Effective date: The rule is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026, and is expected to take effect approximately 60 days later, around September 15, 2026.
2. If your program runs longer than four years
This is the part that matters most for anyone whose program of study may take longer than four years to complete. Previously, if you needed more time to finish your program, our Designated School Officials (DSOs) could simply extend your I-20 and you were done. Under the new rule, that’s no longer enough on its own:
- Your DSO still recommends the extension by updating your I-20 in SEVIS — that first step doesn’t change.
- But you will also need to file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) directly with USCIS, before your current admission period expires, along with the filing fee and biometrics.
- USCIS — not the school — makes the final decision on whether to approve the extension, based on factors like maintaining status and having a legitimate academic reason for the extra time.
Because USCIS processing takes time, this is not something to leave until the last minute.
3. If you’re already here on D/S
If you’re currently enrolled and already have D/S on your I-94, nothing changes immediately. You keep your current D/S status through the rule’s effective date. The fixed-period rules apply the next time you need to extend your stay — for example, if your program runs past September 2026 and you weren’t already scheduled to finish beforehand.
The bottom line
Most students don’t need to do anything right now. A few things worth doing anyway:
- Know your program’s expected end date and whether it falls within four years of your original entry to the U.S.
- If your program may run longer than four years, talk to our Office of Admissions/DSO now about your timeline — we’d rather help you plan early than scramble later.
- Keep maintaining your F-1 status as usual — full course load, valid documents, current address on file.
- Use reliable sources — DHS, USCIS, or our office — rather than social media, for anything related to this rule.
A note on scope: Our DSOs can advise you on F-1 status and SEVIS requirements, but we’re not able to provide legal advice on individual immigration filings. If your situation is complicated — for example, you’re weighing options around Form I-539 — we can help connect you with a licensed immigration attorney.
Helpful resources
- DHS — official final rule announcement (July 16, 2026)
- Study in the States — SEVP’s official resource site for F-1 and J-1 students
- USCIS — Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
- USCIS — check current processing times
- CBP — look up your I-94 admission record
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this affect me right now?
No. If you already have D/S on your I-94, nothing changes immediately. You’ll keep your current status through the rule’s effective date, and the fixed-period rules will apply starting the next time you need to extend your stay.
What exactly is D/S, and why is it going away?
D/S (Duration of Status) has let F-1 students remain in the U.S. for as long as they’re enrolled and making normal progress, without a fixed expiration date. DHS is replacing it with a set admission period tied to your program length (capped at four years) because it says the open-ended system has been misused by a small number of students to remain in the country far longer than any program requires.
What if my program runs longer than four years?
Your DSO can still recommend an extension by updating your I-20 in SEVIS — that part hasn’t changed. But you will also need to file Form I-539 directly with USCIS, with the filing fee and biometrics, before your current admission period ends. USCIS, not the school, makes the final call. Because processing takes time, talk to Admissions well before your program end date if this could apply to you.
Is the grace period after graduation changing?
Yes — from 60 days down to 30 days. If you’re finishing your program, build this shorter window into your OPT or departure planning.
Can I still change my major or transfer to another school?
It depends on your program level:
- Undergraduate (e.g., BBA) students may transfer schools or change majors after completing their first academic year — generally your first two full semesters (or equivalent), counted from the program start date on your I-20, regardless of any earlier time spent in another visa status. Once that first year is complete, you’re free to transfer or change majors at the same educational level without special approval.
Requests made within that first year are allowed only if SEVP approves a narrow “extenuating circumstances” exception — meaning rare events outside your control and the school’s control that prevent you from continuing your course of study, such as your school’s permanent or extended closure, a school merger that eliminates your program, your school losing its authorization to enroll F-1 students, or a natural disaster that prevents in-person instruction for a prolonged period. Wanting a different major, a different school, or a lower cost of attendance does not qualify on its own. If you believe your situation may qualify, this is handled through your current DSO working directly with SEVP — there’s no student-filed USCIS application for this exception, and approval is entirely at SEVP’s discretion.
- Graduate-level students (e.g., MBA) may not change their educational objective — program, major, or degree level — at any point while enrolled, and generally may not transfer schools at all, except in rare SEVP-approved emergency situations.
If I’m an undergraduate past my first year, what does transferring actually involve — and do I need to file anything with USCIS?
The mechanics stay largely the same as today: you notify your current school, your DSO marks your SEVIS record “transfer-out” with a release date, your new school takes over the record on that date and issues you a new I-20, and you must begin classes at the new school within five months of leaving your current one. The one new step: if your new program won’t finish within your current fixed admission period, you’ll need to file Form I-539 with USCIS for an extension before that period runs out. If the new program still fits inside your original admission period, no USCIS filing is needed.
What about English-language (ESL) programs?
Time in ESL study is now capped at 24 months total, and school breaks or delays don’t add extra time within that cap.
What should I do right now?
- Know your program’s expected end date and whether it falls within four years of your original entry to the U.S.
- If your program may run past four years, or you’re considering a transfer or program change, talk to Admissions/your DSO now so we can plan ahead together.
- Keep meeting your normal F-1 requirements — full course load, valid documents, current address on file.
- Rely on official sources (DHS, USCIS, or our office) rather than social media for anything related to this rule.
Can Nobel give me legal advice about my specific situation?
Our DSOs can advise you on F-1 status and SEVIS requirements, but we can’t provide legal advice on individual immigration filings such as Form I-539. If your situation is complex, we can help connect you with a licensed immigration attorney.
Where can I find more official information?
See the “Helpful resources” links above, or reach out to our Office of Admissions directly with questions about your own timeline.
Questions? Contact our Office of Admissions at info@nobeluniversity.edu or (213) 382-1136.