Archive · 14 Aug 2026
US F-1 Visa Rules Tighten: Fixed Admission Period Explained
Many people from other countries go to the United States to study in colleges.
They use special papers called F visas to do this.
In the past, students could stay in the US for as long as they were going to school.
But starting in September 2026, the rules will change.
Students will only be allowed to stay for a certain number of years, usually no more than four.
If they need more time, they have to ask the government for permission.
They must fill out paperwork and pay a fee before their time runs out.
If they do not, they could lose their legal status.
Students who are already in the US before the new rule can finish their studies, but not after November 14, 2030.
School officials can help students with the paperwork.
Starting September 15, 2026, F visa students will be admitted for a fixed period of time instead of duration of status.
The fixed period is based on the program length on Form I-20 and cannot exceed four years, plus 30 days for arrival and 30 days for departure.
Students needing more time, including for OPT or STEM OPT, must apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS or leave and re-enter the US.
Students already admitted before September 15, 2026 can stay until their I-20 Program End Date, but their stay cannot exceed November 14, 2030.
EOS applications require a DSO recommendation in SEVIS, filing Form I-539 before the authorized period expires, paying fees, and providing biometrics.
- Who
- F-1 international students in the United States, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), designated school officials (DSOs), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- What
- The US is replacing 'duration of status' admission with a fixed period of admission for F visa students, requiring extensions of stay for those who need more time
- When
- Effective September 15, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- The US is tightening immigration rules for international students, limiting their stay to a fixed period based on their program of study
- New rule effective
- September 15, 2026
- Maximum fixed admission
- 4 years
- Arrival period
- 30 days
- Departure period
- 30 days
- Deadline for existing students
- November 14, 2030
- EOS application window
- Up to 180 days before authorized admission expires
- Required form
- Form I-539
- Approving agency
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)