Office of International Students and Scholars

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.

Those in F and J status.

September 15, 2026.

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.

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.

You will be admitted for a fixed period based on your program dates, up to a maximum of 4 years. Your official departure date is the "Admit Until" date listed on your Form I-94. If your I-94 remains D/S, your end date is either our I-20/DS-2019 end date, your OPT EAD end date, or September 14, 2030.

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.

Go to https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home, click on ‘get most recent I-94’

No, you will not receive a new I-20 to comply with the rule. If you are currently in the U.S or will arrive before September 15, 2026, you can continue using your current I-20 until you have a reason to extend it.

On September 14, 2030, everyone will fall under the new rule. If you will be able to finish your program before that date and your I-20 or DS-2019 is within this end date, you do not need to do anything. However, if you will need an extension beyond September 14, 2030 to complete your program, then you must apply for a program extension by submitting a Form I-539 to USCIS to extend your stay.  You will need to make sure your program is finished or an extension is filed by this time.

If you maintain D/S (by staying in the U.S. and not traveling after Sept 15), you keep the standard 60-day grace period for F-1 students. However, if you travel and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026, your grace period is now 30 days.

Your grace period is going to be included in the AUD on your I-94. To determine what your current end date is, take your AUD and subtract 30 days. 

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. 

Yes, you can still travel, but be aware of the timing. If you re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, you will no longer be admitted under "D/S".  You will be admitted with a fixed-date on your I-94 (up to a 4-year maximum or your program end date, whichever is shorter). Your AUD will include a 30-day grace period.  Always ensure you have a valid OISS travel signature before leaving.

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.

 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

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.

You may have a passport that is expiring sooner than your I-20. CBP will grant  you up to 4 years, unless your passport expires sooner. If you renew your passport and travel, CBP should extend the stay upon your next re-entry. 

No! Your I-20/DS-2019 is allowed to be further into the future and your visa issuance is still based on reciprocity agreements. Consulates should not be refusing a visa based upon this. If this is the case, please consult OISS as soon as possible. Visa stamps are entry documents only.

Stricter limits now apply. F-1 graduate students (Master's/Doctoral) are not permitted to change majors or transfer during their program. Undergraduate F-1 students must complete at least one full academic year in F-1 status before they are eligible to change majors or transfer.

• Undergraduates: You must complete one academic year in F-1 status in your current major before you are eligible to change it.
• Graduate Students: You are not permitted to change majors once you have started your program.

Yes, you will still be able to participate in STEPup. Your transition to a degree program, if you are conditionally admitted, may require additional time to allow for the EOS USCIS applications.

No. Regulations now require you to move in ascending order (e.g., Bachelor's to Master's to Doctoral). You generally cannot receive a new F-1 status to start a second degree at a level you have already completed.

Yes, because your previous degree was earned before the effective date of the new rule. You will not be able to enroll in another degree at the same level if you complete it after September 15, 2026.

If you wish to Master Out, you have until Sept 15 to change your I-20 to reflect this update. After September 15, 2026, OISS will be unable to update your I-20 and you will be unable to apply for OPT based on a Masters. You will be able to obtain your Masters degree from Lehigh but OISS will not be able to amend your I-20 to reflect this.

No, this does not mean that. Simply put, USCIS will determine and issue the approval for any extensions of your immigration documents (I-20/DS-2019).

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.

Anyone who needs to remain in the U.S. beyond the end date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019. 

After March 18, 2027, all students applying for OPT will also have to apply for EOS. If you are applying before this date, you do not need to apply for an EOS. 

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.

YES! You will have 240 days to continue to work and study after the current end date listed while your timely filed EOS is pending.

No, your eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) remains the same as long as you are enrolled full-time and it relates to your major. However, if your program needs to be extended to accommodate CPT, an Extension of Stay application must be approved first.