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ARTICLE · 21 MAY 2026

How The Elimination Of “D/S” May Affect F, J, And I Visa Holders

Klasko Immigration Law Partners
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The Department of Homeland Security is poised to eliminate "duration of status" admissions for F, J, and I visa holders, replacing them with fixed expiration dates that would fundamentally alter how international students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives maintain lawful presence in the United States.

United StatesImmigration
Stacy Shore
Stacy Shore
William A. Stock
William A. Stock
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will likely soon end the use of “duration of status” (D/S) for F students, J exchange visitors, and I foreign media representatives. If finalized as proposed, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would issue an expiration date on Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, each time these nonimmigrants enter the United States. Under this rule, F/J/I visa holders would only be allowed to extend their time in the United States through an application to USCIS.

This change would mark a significant shift from the current framework, under which many F, J, and I visa holders are admitted for D/S and may remain in the United States, as long as they comply with the terms of the underlying program or classification. DHS states that the proposal is intended to support the integrity of these visa programs and facilitate vetting of visa holders, even though F and J visa holders’ program participation is already closely tracked by U.S. Immigration and Customs

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