Duration of Status Rule Change
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026 to replace “Duration of Status (D/S)” with a fixed period of admission for F and J nonimmigrant students. There is a 60-day waiting period until the rule takes effect along with a six-month transition period for all F and J visa holders currently present in the U.S.
The rule takes effect on September 15, 2026. At that time, F and J visa holders will be admitted to the U.S. until the program end date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 or for a period not to exceed a maximum of four years, whichever is shorter. International students and scholars who remain in legal status will be eligible to request additional time to complete their programs or continue a staff or faculty appointment. The extension of stay requests will now require an application adjudicated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The Office of Global Programs and Services and Faculty Immigration are conducting a thorough review of the final rule to determine how this new rule will be applied to students and scholars on F and J visas. As this review continues, we will communicate directly and continue to update this website with more information and clarification.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as continue to review the new rule to provide further guidance.
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
- In-person Open Forum for students: Wednesday, July 22, 1:00pm, Anishinaabe Theatre (Memorial Union)
- Virtual Open Forum for students: Wednesday, July 29, 8:00am (link forthcoming)