I.            UNDERSTANDING THE NEW RULES

Q: What has changed?

Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents will no longer be admitted to the United States (U.S.) for Duration of Status (D/S). Instead, they will generally be admitted until a specific date, known as an Admit Until Date (AUD), which will appear on their Form I-94 and establish the period they are authorized to remain in the U.S.

This change affects the period for which individuals are admitted to the U.S. It does not change eligibility requirements for F-1 or J-1 status, the duration of academic programs, or the university’s ability to sponsor international students and scholars.

Q: What is the Admit Until Date, and how is it different from the program end date on my I-20?

The Admit Until Date (AUD) is the date on Form I-94 showing when a student’s authorized period of admission expires. It is issued by CBP at entry or by USCIS if an Extension of Stay (EOS) filed on Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, is approved. The AUD is generally the earlier of the program end date on Form I-20 or DS-2019, or four years from admission, plus the applicable grace period. Because Form I-94 can expire before Form I-20, students need to track both documents rather than assuming the I-20 date controls.

Q: Does a four-year admission cap mean a four-year limit on F-1 and J-1 status?

No. The four-year cap limits a single period of admission, not the total time a student may spend in F-1 status or J-1 status. A student can remain in F-1 status beyond four years, including through multiple degree programs, practical training, and Ph.D. research, as long as the student continues to meet status requirements and obtains a new period of admission through an EOS or through travel and readmission) before each AUD expires.

Q: I am already in the U.S. in F-1 status on September 15, 2026. What do I need to do?

Current F and J status holders, including their dependents, will transition to a fixed period of authorized stay (AUD) ending on the earlier of:

• The end date listed on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019;
• The end date of their post-completion OPT or STEM OPT that is valid on September15, 2026; or
• November 14, 2030 for most F-1 students, or October 15, 2030 for most J-1 exchange visitors.

The four-year maximum period of admission does not prevent students or scholars from completing programs that last longer than four years. However, if a program extends beyond the individual’s authorized period of stay, the student or scholar will need to extend their authorized stay by either:

• Filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS to request an EOS; or
• Departing and re-entering the U.S. with a valid, unexpired F or J visa to obtain a new period of authorized stay.

 

    II.            F-1 OPT AND STEM

Q: I am on OPT or planning to apply for STEM OPT. What should I watch for?

An approved OPT application or an updated Form I-20 will not automatically extend a student’s authorized stay. If the I-94 expiration date falls before the OPT or STEM OPT period ends, an  EOS application with USCIS may be required to remain in lawful F-1 status. Students should confirm their I-94 date well before their practical training begins or continues. Simply having an approved OPT application or an updated Form I-20 may no longer be sufficient. However, see Section III below regarding the six-month transition period.

Q: I completed a bachelor’s degree and OPT, and I am now starting a master’s program. Does transferring my SEVIS record cover me?

Not necessarily. A new Form I-20 and a completed SEVIS transfer may no longer be sufficient on their own. Students in this situation need to check whether their I-94 will expire before or during the new master’s program and, if so, file an EOS application to maintain lawful status.

 

III.             THE SIX-MONTH TRANSITION PERIOD

Q: I heard there is a transition period. Who does it apply to?

DHS included a temporary six-month transition period to ease the shift away from Duration of Status. It applies to students who are already in F-1 status and are applying for post-completion OPT or a STEM OPT extension during the first six months after the rule takes effect. These students may move through the OPT process without immediately filing an EOS application solely because the admission system changed.

In other words,

• F-1 status holders who file an OPT or STEM OPT application on OR before March 18, 2027, may continue using the current process without submitting a separate EOS application.
• F-1 status holders who file an OPT or STEM OPT application after March 18, 2027 will be required to submit EOS with USCIS in addition to the I-765 Form.

This transition provision does not apply if an F-1 student departs the U.S. and re-enters before filing the OPT or STEM OPT application.

Q: Does the transition period mean I can ignore the new I-94 rules for now?

No. The transition period does not eliminate the new fixed admission framework. Rather, it temporarily delays some of the new filing requirements while students, schools, employers, and DHS adjust to the new system. Once the transition period ends, students whose I-94 expires before they complete their authorized F-1 activities will generally be expected to comply with the new EOS requirements.

Examples: How the Transition Period Works in Practice

Example 1: Transitioning from School to OPT

Emily graduates with a bachelor’s degree and timely files for post-completion OPT. Her OPT application is pending when the new rule takes effect. Because Emily is already in the U.S. and is moving directly from her academic program into OPT during the transition period, she may benefit from the temporary relief provided by DHS. She would not necessarily need to immediately file an EOS application simply because the Duration of Status system has ended.

Example 2: Applying for the STEM OPT Extension

David completes his initial 12 months of OPT and timely files for the 24-month STEM OPT extension during the six-month transition period. If he otherwise qualifies, DHS’s transition provision may allow him to continue through the STEM OPT application process without immediately filing an EOS application under the new rules. However, once the transition period ends, David should carefully monitor his I-94 expiration date and determine whether an EOS will be required to complete the remainder of his STEM OPT period.

Q: I am planning to travel internationally while my OPT application is pending during the transition period. Is that a problem?

A student who departs the U.S. and is subsequently readmitted will generally receive a new admission under the fixed admission system. Upon returning, the student should carefully review the new I-94 and confirm the authorized period of admission with the school’s Designated School Official (DSO). Depending on the student’s circumstances, the new admission may affect how the transition provisions apply. Students should consult with experienced immigration counsel before making international travel plans during this period.

 

IV.             EXTENSION OF STAY PROCESS

Q: What is an Extension of Stay application?

An EOS application is a request submitted to USCIS on Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to remain in the U.S. beyond the AUD shown on Form I-94. Under the new fixed-period admission framework, extending a Form I-20 or DS-2019 does not, by itself, extend the period of authorized stay reflected on the Form I-94. An individual who needs to remain in the U.S. beyond the Admit Until Date (“AUD”) on the Form I-94 may need to file an EOS application with USCIS or, where appropriate, depart the U.S. and seek a new period of admission upon reentry. If USCIS approves an EOS application, USCIS will issue a new Form I-94 reflecting the new authorized period of admission.

Q: When should I apply for an EOS?

Individuals should begin planning well in advance of the AUD listed on the Form I-94. If an extension of the underlying academic program or exchange visitor activity is required, the individual generally must first obtain an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the school or program sponsor before filing the EOS application with USCIS.

An EOS application must be timely filed while the individual remains eligible for the requested extension. Waiting until shortly before the I-94 expires can create unnecessary risk if additional documentation is required or an unexpected issue arises. Students and exchange visitors should therefore work with their school or program sponsor several months in advance, whenever possible, to determine whether an EOS will be necessary and to allow sufficient time to prepare the application.

The DSO or Responsible Officer supports the process by updating SEVIS and issuing an updated I-20 or DS-2019, but the decision on whether to grant additional time in the U.S. is in USCIS’ jurisdiction.

Q: What happens after I file my EOS application?

If a timely and properly filed EOS application is pending with USCIS, the applicant generally may remain in the U.S. while USCIS adjudicates the application, even if the AUD date on the existing Form I-94 passes during that time. Individuals must continue to comply with the requirements of their F-1 or J-1 status and, where applicable, maintain a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019.

Q: Can I continue working while my EOS application is pending?

It depends. Permission to remain in the U.S. while an EOS application is pending is not necessarily the same as permission to work or engage in every activity associated with F-1 or J-1 status. Employment authorization and certain program activities are subject to separate requirements.

Certain F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants who timely file a qualifying EOS application before the program end date on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 may typically continue certain otherwise authorized employment for up to 240 days while USCIS adjudicates the EOS application, or until a final decision has been reached on the pending EOS, whichever is earlier. This may include F-1 or J-1 on-campus employment, F-1 CPT, and J-1 academic training. Filing during an applicable grace period does not provide the same 240-day continuation of employment or program participation.

However, different rules apply to OPT and STEM OPT applicants. Filing an EOS application does not automatically extend an F-1 student’s OPT or STEM OPT EAD, nor does it create a new 240-day extension of OPT employment authorization. A student generally may not begin post-completion OPT employment until the required EOS and employment authorization applications have been approved. Separately, eligible students with a timely filed STEM OPT extension application may continue employment for up to 180 days after expiration of the existing EAD under the existing STEM OPT automatic-extension rules.

 

V.             DAY 1 CPT

Q: Does the new rule eliminate Day One CPT?

No. The new rule does not eliminate Day One Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and does not make substantive changes to CPT eligibility or to a Designated School Official’s (DSO) role in authorizing it. What has changed is the broader compliance framework. Because F-1 students are now admitted for a fixed period rather than under the open-ended D/S system, employers can no longer assume that a CPT endorsement on Form I-20, by itself, is sufficient to confirm that the student remains authorized to work.

Q: What should employers track now that they may not have tracked before?

Under the prior system, employers generally only needed to monitor the CPT authorization dates listed on the student’s Form I-20. Under the new fixed-period framework, however, employers should also monitor the employee’s I-94 expiration date, the Form I-20 program end date, the beginning of the 30-day grace period, any DSO-authorized CPT end date, and, where applicable, the filing and receipt of an EOS application. If a student’s CPT authorization extends beyond the I-94 expiration date, the student may need to obtain an EOS application to remain in valid F-1 status and continue working lawfully.

Q: If an employee timely files an EOS, can Day One CPT continue while it is pending?

Potentially, but timing is critical. If USCIS receives the EOS application before the student’s 30-day grace period begins, the student may generally continue working under an existing CPT authorization while the application is pending for up to 240 days, provided the CPT remains valid on the DSO-endorsed Form I-20 and until USCIS issues a decision on the extension application, whichever is earlier.

However, if the EOS application is filed during the 30-day grace period, the student may typically remain in the U.S. while the application is pending, but cannot begin or continue CPT employment until USCIS approves the extension. For employers, this distinction is significant because filing during the grace period may require an immediate suspension of the employee’s work authorization until the extension is approved. Accordingly, employers should carefully confirm when the extension application was filed in relation to the start of the student’s grace period.

 VI.            RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS, CHANGES IN EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES, AND CERTAIN CHANGES IN EDUCATION LEVELS

Q: Can I start a second master’s degree, or another program at the same level, after finishing my current one?

Under the new rule, a student who completes one educational level generally may only move on to a program at a higher educational level. This means enrolling in a second degree at the same level, such as another master’s program, will generally not be permitted while remaining in F-1 status. There are also new restrictions on certain transfers and changes in educational objectives, particularly at the graduate level. Students considering a second bachelor’s degree or another program at the same educational level should consult experienced immigration counsel before making academic plans.

Q: Can I transfer schools?

Undergraduate students generally may not transfer to another school during their first academic year. After completing the first year, however, they may transfer to another SEVP-certified school, provided they satisfy the applicable transfer procedures and eligibility requirements.

Graduate students face significantly greater restrictions. Under the new rule, graduate students generally may not transfer to another school during the course of their graduate program. Transfers may be permitted and approved only in extenuating circumstances.

Q: Can I change majors?

F-1 students enrolled in programs below the graduate level generally may not change their major during their first year of study, unless SEVP approves an exception based on extenuating circumstances. F-1 students enrolled in graduate-level programs or higher are subject to a more restrictive rule and generally may not change their major at any time during their program of study.

    VII.            J-1 RESEARCH SCHOLARS AND PROFESSORS: THE 4-YEAR AUD VS. THE 5-YEAR PROGRAM MAXIMUM

Q: J-1 Research Scholar and Professor categories allow a 5-year program. Does the new rule shorten that to 4 years?

No, the underlying 5-year maximum duration for the J-1 Research Scholar and Professor category is unchanged. What changes is the AUD: a scholar admitted with a DS-2019 covering the full 5-year appointment will still only receive a 4-year AUD on the I-94, plus the 30-day grace period. To cover the final year, the scholar must either file an EOS with USCIS before the initial 4-year AUD expires, or depart and re-enter the U.S. to reset the AUD against the current DS-2019.

Q: Can a J-1 scholar continue an appointment while an EOS is pending?

Yes, if the EOS was timely filed (received by USCIS before the current AUD expires), the scholar may generally continue the J-1 program and any employment incident to J-1 status for up to 240 days while USCIS adjudicates the application.

 VIII.            GRACE PERIOD, DEPENDENTS, AND OTHER CHANGES

Q: Has the grace period after finishing studies or practical training changed?

Yes. The F-1 grace period after completing a program of study or authorized practical training has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. This leaves considerably less time to transfer schools, start a new program, apply for a change of status, or prepare to depart the country. Careful planning will become even more important.

Q: How does this affect my spouse or children who hold dependent status?

When a principal applicant and dependents file EOS requests together, USCIS will generally limit everyone’s approved period of stay to the family member with the shortest allowable admission period, Common limiting factors include an earlier-expiring passport or a dependent child approaching the age limit. Families should check passport validity for all members well before filing.

Q: I am an I visa holder (foreign media representative). Does this rule affect me?

Yes. Most I nonimmigrant foreign media representatives will now generally be admitted for up to 240 days rather than for the duration of their assignment, and will need to seek an extension or depart and re-enter if more time is needed. Existing restrictions applicable to certain passport holders from the People’s Republic of China remain unchanged.