DHS Finalizes Rule Eliminating Duration of Status for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants
On July 16, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its long-anticipated final rule changing the admission period in the F, J, and I classifications from duration of status (D/S) to admission for a fixed time period tied to the nonimmigrant’s program, along with making additional changes to admission and extension requirements. The rule is effective September 15, 2026, although Congress could act to change or void the rule during the implementation window.
The new rule also introduces new restrictions on academic flexibility. Undergraduate F-1 students would be barred from changing their study program, major, or education level during their first year, except in rare cases. Graduate F-1 students would face even stricter limits, with no ability to change their program or field of study. Moreover, once an international student completes a program at a certain level, they would no longer
