Archive · 26 Aug 2026
US Universities Issue Travel Advisories Before September 15 Visa Rule
Several U.S. universities are warning international students and scholars about a planned visa rule change.
The change is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026.
Today, many F-1 students can stay while they keep their student status and meet program requirements.
Under the new system, many students and exchange visitors will receive a specific end date on their I-94 record.
Students already in the United States on September 15 may be protected by transition rules.
But students who travel away and return after that date may receive the new type of record.
Students who need more time may have to ask USCIS for an extension before their admission date ends.
The rule would also reduce the post-completion grace period from 60 days to 30 days for students entering under the new system.
Some groups are challenging the rule in court, but universities are still telling students to plan carefully and consult their international offices.
Several U.S. universities are advising international students and scholars to return before September 15, 2026.
A Department of Homeland Security rule is scheduled to replace “Duration of Status” with fixed admission periods for most F-1 and J-1 entrants.
Students maintaining valid status while physically in the U.S. on September 15 will generally remain covered by transition provisions.
Students who leave and re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15 may receive a fixed “Admit Until Date” on Form I-94.
The rule faces a legal challenge, but a September 3 hearing has not suspended its scheduled implementation date.
- Who
- Several U.S. universities, international students and scholars, the Department of Homeland Security, and groups challenging the rule.
- What
- Universities are issuing travel advisories before a rule changes how admission periods are recorded for most F-1 and J-1 entrants.
- When
- The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026; a federal court hearing is scheduled for September 3.
- Where
- The United States, including universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Chicago, Georgetown and Ohio State.
- Why
- The rule would replace “Duration of Status” for most new entrants with fixed admission periods and could affect travelers who re-enter the country after the deadline.
Universities and Rule Challengers
DHS Rule Implementation
Whether the rule should proceed
Universities and Rule Challengers
Universities, higher-education organizations and immigration advocacy groups are seeking to block the rule, arguing that DHS did not adequately assess its potential impact.
DHS Rule Implementation
DHS published the final rule on July 17, 2026, and its implementation is scheduled for September 15, 2026.
Effect on international travelers
Universities and Rule Challengers
Universities are urging students and scholars to consider returning before the deadline and to consult international offices before traveling or seeking extensions.
DHS Rule Implementation
Under the rule, most students and exchange visitors entering or re-entering after the deadline would generally receive a fixed admission period tied to the program or appointment end date or four years, whichever is shorter.
- Scheduled effective date
- September 15, 2026
- Rule issuer
- Department of Homeland Security
- Final rule publication
- July 17, 2026
- Admission record
- Most F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and dependents will generally receive a fixed “Admit Until Date” instead of “Duration of Status”.
- Transition provision
- Students physically present in the U.S. on September 15 while maintaining valid status will generally remain covered by transition rules.
- Post-completion grace period
- The period will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days for students entering under the new system.
- Court challenge
- A federal court hearing is scheduled for September 3, but the challenge has not suspended the September 15 implementation date.
