Federal "Duration of Status" (D/S) Rule Changes
Information for International Students and Scholars
Issue at a Glance
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has enacted a federal rule change to end “Duration of Status” (D/S) for nonimmigrants granted entry to the U.S. in F or J status. Duration of status refers to the period of lawful stay granted upon entry to the United States and recorded on the Form I-94.
The rule will replace the current D/S framework with fixed admission periods tied to academic program length or a maximum admission period. The changes will introduce new immigration procedures and administrative requirements for international students and scholars, including updated extension processes and new limitations related to academic program changes.
While the new rule changes certain immigration procedures, international students and scholars will continue to be able to study and complete their academic programs at Lehigh University. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is actively monitoring these developments and working closely with university leadership, peer institutions, and national professional organizations to assess the potential impact on Lehigh students and scholars.
As of July 17, 2026, the rule has officially been changed. The rule will go into effect on September 15, 2026. Current immigration regulations remain in effect until then. The final rule includes transition provisions that affect both current and future F and J students and scholars, although the impact will differ depending on individual circumstances. The OISS staff are reviewing the final rule and guidance from federal agencies and will provide additional information for current students, newly admitted students, and scholars as implementation guidance becomes available.
OISS will continue to provide updates and additional guidance as more information becomes available. Please review the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. These will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
Current Status of the Rule
The new rule was formally published on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The new rule was originally published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2025, and public comments were accepted through September 29, 2025. After review of public comments, DHS finalized its review of the proposed rule and submitted it to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final review and clearance prior to publication of a final rule.
Lehigh University leadership and OISS have been actively monitoring these developments and preparing guidance and resources to support the university’s international student and scholar community. Additional information and university guidance will be shared as it becomes available.
The DHS rule change:
- Replaces the current Form I-94 “admit until date” of “Duration of Status” (D/S) with a specific end date tied to academic program length or a maximum admission period of four years, whichever is shorter.
- Requires students and scholars to file a formal Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to extend lawful stay beyond their I-94 expiration date.
- Shortens the current F-1 student grace period from 60 days to 30 days following program completion. The J-1 grace period would remain unchanged at 30 days.
- Limits English language training study to 24 months in aggregate.
- Restricts F-1 undergraduate students from changing majors or transferring schools during their first academic year.
- Places new restrictions on F-1 graduate students changing majors or transferring schools during their academic program.
- Limits the ability of F-1 students to pursue additional academic programs at the same or lower educational level.
This new rule creates new administrative and advising responsibilities for universities and international students and scholars. OISS is continuing to review the changes and assessing their potential impact on student enrollment, academic programs, research activities, and immigration advising processes at Lehigh University.
OISS will continue to provide updated guidance, FAQs, and additional support resources as more information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does this rule take effect immediately?
No. The rule will become effective on September 15, 2026, 60 days after publication on July 17, 2026. Current immigration processes remain in place until the effective date. You should continue following existing requirements and watch for guidance from OISS regarding implementation and transition procedures.
Q:Who does this effect?
Those in F and J status.
Q:What date will this new rule go into effect?
September 15, 2026.
Q: I am currently outside the U.S. When should I return?
The new rule takes effect September 15, 2026, 60 days from July 17, 2026. To be admitted under the old "D/S" rules, you must re-enter the U.S. before that 60-day deadline 9/15/2026. If you enter on or after that date, you will automatically receive a fixed I-94 end date.
Remember to carry all required immigration documents, including:
- A valid passport
- A valid visa (if required)
- A valid Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Evidence of continued enrollment or program participation if you are in J-1 status
Q: Should I change my travel plans because of the new rule?
Generally, no. If you are returning in Fall 2026 you should continue to follow your planned travel schedule and ensure you have valid immigration documents. OISS will provide additional guidance as implementation approaches
Q. I am already in the United States. Am I automatically out of status?
No. The publication of the rule does not automatically terminate anyone's current immigration status. Continue to follow the terms of your status and wait for additional guidance regarding the rule's transition provisions.
Q: I have "D/S" on my I-94. Do these new rules apply to me?
Yes, but there are transition rules. You can stay until your current program end date (plus your original 60-day grace period for F-1 or 30-day for J-1) or for 4 years from the rule’s effective date—whichever comes first.
Q: What document do I need to look at to tell me how long I’m allowed to stay in the U.S.?
If your I-94 notes “D/S”, then the end date on your I-20 will likely be the date. If you are admitted and your I-94 has a date, then that is when your status expires regardless of what your I-20/DS-2019 notes.
Q: Where can I find my I-94?
Go to https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home, and click on ‘get most recent I-94’.
Q: What happens if I travel outside the U.S.?
If you leave and re-enter after the rule takes effect 9/15/2026, you will lose your "Duration of Status" (D/S). You will be admitted with a fixed "Admit Until" date on your I-94 and will be subject to the new, shorter 30-day grace period for F-1 students.
Q: Has anything changed with OPT?
Eligibility for OPT has not changed, but you must navigate new transition rules. Depending on when you apply relative to the rule's effective date, requirements vary:
- Applying during the first 6 months after the effective date: If you still maintain "D/S" status, you may only need to file the I-765 application without an additional extension request.
- Applying after the 6-month window: You must file both the I-765 and the I-539 Extension of Stay simultaneously once this period has passed or if you have traveled.
Q: What if my program takes longer than 4 years?
If you need more time, you must file a Form I-539 (Extension of Stay) with USCIS and receive approval before your current I-94 expires. Additional information will be provided on the process shortly.
Q: How long is my grace period after I graduate?
The grace period for F-1 students is now 30 days (previously 60 days). J-1 exchange visitors maintain a 30-day grace period. You must leave the U.S. or file for an extension/change of status before this 30-day window ends.
Q: What happens if I complete my program earlier than my I-20 expiration date?
As usual, OISS will shorten your I-20 accordingly. If this is the case, as OISS has been doing, we will evaluate your next steps and assist as needed.
Additional Resources:
DHS released a Frequently Asked Questions guide to help you understand how this rule affects your legal status, deadlines, and responsibilities.
New Study in the States Resource: FAQ on the Final Rule for Fixed Admission (Duration of Status) Periods and Extension of Stay Procedures
Previously Issued Correspondences
Important Immigration Policy Update for Admitted International Students (Published July 17, 2026):
English, Mandarin (Traditional), Mandarin (Simplified), Spanish, Vietnamese.
Important Update Regarding Federal "Duration of Stay" Rule Changes (Published July 17, 2026):
Update Regarding New F-1 and J-1 Immigration Regulations (E-mailed July 20, 2026)