Elimination of Duration of Status for F-1 and J-1 Students - SUNY Niagara

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Elimination of Duration of Status for F-1 and J-1 Students

Department of Homeland Security Update: Elimination of Duration of Status for F-1 and J-1 Students

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule in the Federal Register 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.”

Effective September 15, 2026, this rule eliminates the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) policy for F-1/F-2 students and J-1/J-2 exchange visitors. Instead, eligible nonimmigrants will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time tied to the program end date listed on their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, not to exceed four years.

Important Notice

This is a significant and complex regulatory change that requires careful review. SUNY Niagara is actively evaluating the rule and its impact on our international students and scholars. We will continue to provide written updates, and implementation guidance as additional information becomes available.

Please note that legal challenges could potentially delay or affect the implementation of this rule.

What Is Changing?

Under the previous policy, F-1 students were generally admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S), allowing them to remain in the country as long as they maintained their F-1 status by pursuing a full course of study or participating in authorized practical training.

Under the new rule, F-1 students will instead be admitted for a fixed period of stay, ending on the earlier of:

  • The program end date listed on their Form I-20, or
  • Four years from the date of admission.

This authorized period of stay will be reflected by a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on each student’s Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.

What This Means for Undergraduate Students

Under the new rule, undergraduate students will:

  • No longer receive a D/S notation on their Form I-94. Instead, they will receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD).
  • Be admitted for a fixed period based on the length of their academic program, up to a maximum of four years.
  • Be required to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if additional time is needed to complete their program.
  • Have the F-1 grace period reduced from 60 days to 30 days following program completion for students who travel and re-enter the United States on or after September 15, 2026.
  • Not be permitted to change academic programs (majors) or transfer to another institution during their first year of study.
  • Not be permitted to complete another degree at the same or a lower academic level after completing their current program. Students may only progress to a higher degree level.

Take Note:

Your Admit Until Date (AUD) on your Form I-94 will determine how long you are authorized to remain in the United States.

We encourage all international students to regularly review their Form I-94 and become familiar with their Admit Until Date. If you anticipate needing additional time to complete your program, please contact Student Success as early as possible to discuss your options and ensure any required Extension of Stay applications are submitted before your Admit Until Date expires.

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