Update: New DHS Rule Affecting F-1 and J-1 Status

July 27, 2026

Dear Students and Scholars,

We are writing to follow up on the Department of Homeland Security's final rule affecting F and J nonimmigrant status, issued on July 17, 2026. These changes are currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. All F-1 students, J-1 students, and J-1 scholars should review the information below carefully.

Duration of Status Replaced by 'Admit Until Date'

Previously, F-1 and J-1 students and scholars were admitted to the United States for the duration of their program, known as Duration of Status (D/S). Under the new rule, this will be replaced with a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD).

Those entering the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 will receive an AUD matching their I-20 or DS-2019 end date (plus a grace period), or four years from entry - whichever is sooner.
Those already in the U.S. on September 15, 2026 may still see D/S on their I-94, but their AUD will be considered their I-20/DS-2019 end date (plus a grace period), or four years from September 15, 2026 — whichever is sooner.

Reduction of Grace Period After Program Completion

The grace period for F-1 students will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
The grace period for J-1 students and scholars remains 30 days (no change).

New 'Extension of Stay' (EOS) Requirement

Students and scholars who need additional time beyond their AUD will generally need to:

File an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS before their AUD expires, or
Travel outside the United States and re-enter to receive a new AUD.

Please note

This is in addition to, not instead of, extending your I-20 or DS-2019.
If your EOS application is filed before your AUD expires, you may continue your studies or research while it is pending.
Employment may continue for up to 240 days, provided the EOS application was filed before your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date.

New Restrictions on Changing Educational Objectives

The final rule also places new limitations on changes to a student's educational objective.

Undergraduate students may not change their degree level, major, or school during their first academic year.
Graduate students will be prohibited from changing their educational objective at any point during their program.
Students may only pursue a subsequent degree at a higher educational level than one previously earned.

Join Our Webinar

To help explain these changes and answer your questions, Visa and Immigration Services will host a live webinar with immigration attorney Brendan Venter of Harris Beach Murtha.

Understanding the New F-1 & J-1 Rules: What Students & Scholars Need to Know

Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. (Eastern)
Presenter: Brendan Venter, Harris Beach Murtha
Registration: Click here to Register!

We strongly encourage all F-1 students, J-1 students, and J-1 scholars to attend.

Additional Resources

For ongoing updates and answers to frequently asked questions, visit our dedicated webpage:

DHS Final Rule Information & FAQs
www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/visa/news/dhs-final-rule.php

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has also published helpful resources:

We understand that these changes may create uncertainty, and we want to reassure you that Stony Brook University remains committed to supporting you throughout this transition. Visa and Immigration Services will continue to monitor developments and share additional guidance as new information becomes available.

Warm regards,
Visa and Immigration Services
Stony Brook University