The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially released the Final Rule on F-1/J-1 visa reforms, which will take effect on September 15, 2026.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the F-1 policy changes, including the elimination of Duration of Status (D/S), the shift to fixed admission periods, the reduction of the F-1 grace period to 30 days, and new restrictions on transfers, program changes, and same-level degree pursuits. It also analyzes the impact on international students and offers guidance for navigating these changes.
The new DHS regulations that have kept countless international students on edge for nearly a year have finally been formalized.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the Final Rule on "Management of Nonimmigrant Status for F-1, J-1, and Other Nonimmigrants" in the Federal Register.
Source: federalregister
This new rule will become effective on September 15, 2026. Most of the previously contentious reform measures have been retained, with only some adjustments to implementation details.
Key Changes to F-1 Regulations at a Glance
F-1 Grace Period Cut from 60 Days to 30 Days
Under current rules, F-1 students typically have a 60-day grace period after completing their program or OPT. During this time, they can depart the U.S., apply for a transfer, begin a new program, or take other steps to maintain lawful status.
Once the new rule takes effect, this grace period will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Source: federalregister
This means that in the future, students will have only 30 days after graduation or OPT completion to arrange their next status step.
D/S Abolished, Replaced by Fixed End Dates
The core change in this rule is the elimination of the long-used Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1, J-1, and I visa holders, replacing it with a fixed-term admission period with a clear expiration date.
Previously, an F-1 student's I-94 typically showed "D/S," meaning as long as they maintained lawful student status, they could remain in the U.S. to complete their studies without a pre-set departure date.
After implementation, D/S will be replaced by a Fixed Time Period of Admission. Exceeding that date without an approved extension will result in unlawful presence.
Source: federalregister
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F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors may be admitted for a maximum period of 4 years at a time. If additional time is needed to complete the program, an application for Extension of Stay (EOS) must be filed with USCIS before the authorized stay expires.
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Representatives of foreign media (I visa) may generally be admitted for a maximum of 240 days at a time.
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For English Language Training students, cumulative stay in the U.S. may not exceed 24 months, including vacations and other periods of presence.
EOS Becomes a New Requirement, OPT Gets a 6-Month Transition
If the admission period expires before completion of studies, a separate Extension of Stay (EOS) application must be filed with USCIS.
Source: federalregister
When applying for EOS, academic delays caused by the applicant's own reasons will generally not be considered a valid basis for extension; the applicant must provide compelling justification that an extension is necessary to complete the program.
For students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, an EOS extension of F-1 stay will also generally be required. However, the rule provides a 6-month implementation buffer:
During the first 6 months after the rule takes effect, applicants for OPT or STEM OPT may temporarily be exempt from concurrently filing an EOS application and need only apply for work authorization under current procedures.
After the 6-month window, OPT and STEM OPT applicants will need to concurrently file an EOS application to extend their F-1 stay. Specific procedures will be detailed in subsequent USCIS implementation guidance.
Stricter Limits on Transfers, Program Changes, and Degree Levels
The new rule also significantly tightens the flexibility of F-1 students to transfer schools, change majors, or switch educational levels.
Undergraduate and below: Students may not transfer, change majors, or switch educational levels during the first academic year of enrollment, unless an exemption recognized by SEVP applies.
Graduate students: Transfers or program changes are prohibited during enrollment, meaning students must complete the program to which they were admitted, except under special circumstances specified by SEVP.
F-1 students who have completed one educational level may only progress to a higher level program; they may no longer use another program at the same or lower level to maintain, obtain, or regain F-1 status.
✅ Bachelor’s → Master’s (allowed)
✅ Master’s → Doctoral (allowed)
❌ Master’s → Second Master’s (not allowed)
❌ Bachelor’s → Second Bachelor’s (not allowed)
❌ Master’s → Bachelor’s (not allowed)
❌ Doctoral → Master’s (not allowed)
Source: federalregister
How Should F-1 Students Respond?
Students Already in the U.S. with F-1 Status Before the Effective Date
The Final Rule includes several transitional provisions for current F-1 students, including status bridging and OPT/STEM OPT application transitions.
It is advisable to stay informed of school DSO announcements and USCIS implementation guidance to understand whether and how the new rules apply.
New Students Arriving After the Effective Date
They should adapt early to the new status management model. Going forward, greater attention must be paid to I-94 admission periods, careful academic timeline planning, and minimizing delays caused by personal circumstances.
If academic or OPT/STEM OPT arrangements exceed the approved admission period, early planning for an EOS application is essential.
Prospective International Students Planning to Study in the U.S.
This reform signals tighter management of F-1 status.
Early comprehensive study-abroad planning is recommended, including thoughtful academic timelines and subsequent status strategies, to avoid negative consequences from delays or improper status approaches.
Worth noting, several higher education organizations have publicly opposed this new rule, arguing it will increase administrative burdens on institutions and diminish the U.S.'s appeal to international talent. Whether legal challenges will emerge remains to be seen.
Source: presidentsalliance
Overall, the new rule does not close the pathways for international students to continue studying, gaining practical training, or seeking employment, but future F-1 status management and academic pathways will be subject to stricter regulation.
Going forward, international students will need to proactively monitor stay limits, academic progress, and status transitions. The sooner they understand the policies and plan ahead, the better they can reduce status risks.
As the new rule moves into implementation, CheersYou（清柚教育） will continue to track policy developments and bring you the latest analysis as soon as possible.
