Archive · 20 Jul 2026
US Ends Duration of Status for F-1 Students
The US government is changing the rules for F-1 students and other visa holders.
Until now, they could stay in the US as long as they followed the rules of their program.
Starting in September 2026, they will have a fixed time limit.
If they need to stay longer, they must ask for an extension.
The time they can stay after finishing their studies is also being cut in half.
An immigration lawyer advises students to complete their paperwork before traveling outside the US to avoid problems when they return.
DHS ends Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I-status foreign journalists starting September 15, 2026.
Students will now have a fixed admission period instead of an open-ended stay.
The post-graduation grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Students must file for an Extension of Stay (EOS) if they need to stay longer than their fixed period.
Travel after September 15 will result in admission under the new fixed-date regime, potentially cutting the grace period in half.
- Who
- F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I-status foreign journalists in the US
- What
- End of Duration of Status (D/S) for these visa categories
- When
- Starting September 15, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- DHS has implemented a fixed admission period instead of D/S
- Current Status
- Duration of Status (D/S) - No fixed expiration date
- New Status
- Fixed admission period starting September 15, 2026
- Grace Period
- Reduced from 60 days to 30 days post-graduation
- OPT Application Deadline
- March 18, 2027 for post-completion OPT
- Travel Impact
- Travel after September 15 changes admission status
- Key Advice
- File OPT before traveling to avoid additional applications