Duration of Status Rule Change

UPDATE: September 15, 2026

Yesterday, September 14, a federal judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction preventing the new regulations from taking effect today.

This means the new Duration of Status regulations are not taking effect today, September 15, 2026, as expected. As we move forward, Global Programs and Services is carefully reviewing guidance and decisions so students continue to be supported under the regulations that currently apply. However, the regulatory environment remains uncertain, and while this litigation continues, we will continue to plan for the possibility that the new regulations may still take effect at a later date.

If you would like more information about the status of the new rule, you can refer to the NAFSA regulatory website that tracks these changes. We will continue to update our campus community as this develops.

UPDATED: July 24, 2026

New FAQ published by Study in the States

Study in the States has published helpful FAQ for F-1 and J-1 visa holders related to the new regulations. We encourage you to use Study in the States as a resource as we continue to learn more about the new regulations and FAQ page is available on The Study in the States website.

Additional Upcoming Learning Opportunities

August 13, 2026 @ 1:30pm, Memorial Union Anishinaabe Theatre (intended audience is NDSU faculty and staff)
September 3, @10:00am, Memorial Union, Anishinaabe Theatre (intend audience is NDSU faculty and staff)

Additional opportunities, including virtual options, will be forthcoming.

UPDATED: July 17, 2026

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 will be sent via the International Student listserv)