July 17, 2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published new regulations replacing Duration of Status (D\/S) with a fixed period of admission for many F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants. These changes take effect on September 15, 2026. Students and scholars should carefully review this information and check their Form I-94 after every entry to the United States<\/p>\n For many years, F\u20111 students and J\u20111 exchange visitors were admitted to the United States under a policy known as Duration of Status (D\/S). Under this system, students and scholars could generally remain in the United States for as long as they maintained their immigration status and continued to make normal progress toward their academic or exchange objectives.<\/p>\n The new DHS regulation replaces D\/S with a fixed period of admission. Instead of receiving “D\/S” on the Form I\u201194 arrival record, most students and exchange visitors will receive a specific expiration date that determines how long they may remain in the United States. This admission period is generally connected to the program end date listed on the Form I\u201120 or DS\u20112019, subject to applicable regulatory limits.<\/p>\n Students and exchange visitors who require additional time beyond their authorized admission period may need to request an Extension of Stay (EOS) from USCIS before their current admission period expires.<\/p>\n The new regulations affect individuals in F and J status, including:<\/p>\n The impact will vary depending on factors such as program length, travel history, academic progress, employment authorization, and future educational or immigration plans.<\/p>\n The changes do not apply to individuals who are not admitted under the D\/S framework, including:<\/p>\n After the rule takes effect, students should expect to see a specific Admit Until Date on their Form I\u201194 rather than a D\/S notation. Because this date now governs the authorized period of stay, students should review their I\u201194 following every entry to the United States.<\/p>\n The authorized admission period will generally be tied to the academic program listed on the Form I\u201120 and may not exceed regulatory limits.<\/p>\n Students who need additional time to:<\/p>\n may need to submit an Extension of Stay application to USCIS before their current admission period expires.<\/p>\n Unlike previous procedures that were primarily handled through SEVIS updates, many future extensions may require federal review and approval. Students should begin planning well in advance and consult the international student office as early as possible.<\/p>\n The final rule introduces new restrictions affecting certain academic changes and institutional transfers. Students considering any of the following should consult the international student office before taking action:<\/p>\n Because the regulations create new limitations that differ from prior practice, individual advising is essential.<\/p>\n Students planning to apply for OPT or STEM OPT should pay close attention to both their employment authorization timeline and their I\u201194 admission period.<\/p>\n Approval of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) does not automatically extend a student’s authorized stay. Additional immigration filings may be required depending on the student’s individual circumstances and admission period.<\/p>\n Students are encouraged to meet with an international student advisor well before submitting any OPT-related application. Contact the Office of Global Engagement to schedule a time with your Designated School Official\/SEVIS Coordinator at globalengagement@rivier.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n Under the new rule, F\u20111 students generally receive a 30\u2011day departure period following completion of their program or authorized practical training, rather than the previous 60\u2011day grace period. During this time, students may prepare to depart the United States, transfer schools where permitted, or pursue another eligible immigration option.<\/p>\n The Form I\u201194 admission record will become one of the most important immigration documents for F\u20111 and J\u20111 students.<\/p>\n Students should not assume that the expiration date on a visa stamp, passport, Form I\u201120, DS\u20112019, or employment authorization document determines their authorized stay. The controlling admission date will generally be the date listed on the Form I\u201194.<\/p>\n To avoid immigration complications, students should:<\/p>\nUnderstanding the End of Duration of Status (D\/S)<\/h3>\n
Who Is Affected?<\/h4>\n
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Who Is Not Affected?<\/h4>\n
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Important Information for F\u20111 Students<\/h3>\n
Fixed Admission Periods<\/h4>\n
Extension of Stay (EOS) Requirements<\/h4>\n
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Program Changes and Transfers<\/h4>\n
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Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT<\/h4>\n
Shorter Grace Period<\/h4>\n
Your Form I\u201194 Is More Important Than Ever<\/h4>\n