overrideTextColor=
overrideCardAlternateTextColor=
overrideDisableBackgroundImage=
promoTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overrideCardShowButton=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
DHS to Replace Duration of Status with Fixed Periods of Admission Effective September 15, 2026
DHS has replaced Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed periods of admission for F, J, and I nonimmigrants.
- Elimination of Duration of Status takes effect September 15, 2026.
- You can read the full details of the changes HERE.
- For answers to frequently asked questions, visit the updated Study in the States FAQs Here.
- Read "Quick Facts" from Study in the States Here.
- NAFSA summarizes the changes as follows:
The final rule replaces “duration of status” admissions to the United States in F and J nonimmigrant status with fixed end dates on Form I-94, requires students and exchange visitors to file formal extension applications with USCIS to stay beyond their I-94 "admit until" date (AUD), shortens the F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 to 30 days, and imposes new limits on academic flow and educational mobility. DHS argues the changes will improve oversight, program integrity, and national security, but institutions will face higher compliance costs and legal risks, enrollment impacts, and heavier advising burdens. There are transition provisions for F and J nonimmigrants who were admitted for D/S on their Form I-94 and are inside the United States on September 15, 2026, the final rule effective date. These individuals will not have to immediately apply for a date-certain I-94, but they must still apply for an extension of stay in order to remain in status beyond the program end date on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, or four years from the final rule effective date, whichever is shorter, and will also be subject to the new academic restrictions in varied ways. If someone in this transition group exits the United States and reenters on or after September 15, 2026, CBP will readmit them with a Form I-94 with a date-specific AUD.
Requirement to Carry Documentation of Status
Under U.S. immigration law, you must carry proof of your immigration registration at all times while in the U.S. (https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration). For most international students, this requirement is already satisfied through the issuance of an Form I-94 when admitted.
The law is not clear whether you should carry original documents or copies of those original documents. However, it is generally advisable to carry, at a minimum, copies of the following key lawful status documents including paper or electronic versions on phones or tablets. If you choose to carry your original documents, we strongly recommend that you take necessary precautions to keep those original documents secure.
The law is not clear whether you should carry original documents or copies of those original documents. However, it is generally advisable to carry, at a minimum, copies of the following key lawful status documents including paper or electronic versions on phones or tablets. If you choose to carry your original documents, we strongly recommend that you take necessary precautions to keep those original documents secure.
- Your most recent Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Your Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitors)
- The biographical page of your passport
- Your U.S. visa page (if applicable)
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
promoTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=