Important Update: DHS Final Rule Is Temporarily Paused

Dear Students and Scholars,

We are writing with an important update regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Final Rule that was scheduled to take effect today, September 15, 2026.

The Final Rule will NOT take effect today.

On September 14, 2026, a federal court issued an order postponing the effective date of the Final Rule nationwide while a legal challenge continues.

What does this mean for you?

For now, there are no changes to the current F-1 and J-1 immigration rules.

The changes that were scheduled to begin on September 15 are paused and are not currently in effect. This includes changes related to:

• Duration of Status (D/S) and fixed periods of admission;
• The proposed four-year limit on admission;
• F-1 grace periods;
• Extensions of Stay; and
• Certain academic program and school changes.

You should continue to follow the current F-1 or J-1 regulations and the information on your existing immigration documents.

Do I need to take any action?

No action is required because of this court order.

Continue to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status as you normally would and follow guidance from Visa and Immigration Services (VIS).

If you previously attended a VIS information session or reviewed our guidance about how the Final Rule could affect your future academic or immigration plans, please remember that those changes are now paused.

Preparing for Success Under the New DHS Rule Presentations

Because implementation of the Final Rule has been postponed, the Preparing for Success Under the New DHS Rule presentations scheduled for this week are also postponed until further notice.

If the Final Rule moves forward in the future, VIS will provide updated guidance and information about future presentations as appropriate.

Why was the rule paused?

The court raised concerns about how DHS developed and justified the Final Rule, including whether DHS sufficiently considered its impact on students, universities, and other affected individuals and organizations.

The court therefore postponed implementation of the rule while the legal case continues.

Is the Final Rule permanently canceled?

No. The court did not permanently cancel the Final Rule.

The September 14 order temporarily postpones the rule while the legal process continues. The court or DHS may take additional action in the future.

If anything changes, VIS will review the information and provide updated guidance to our international community.

VIS is here to support you

We understand that this situation may be confusing, especially for students and scholars who have been making academic, employment, or travel plans based on the anticipated changes.

For now, the most important things to remember are:

• The Final Rule is paused. 

• The current F-1 and J-1 rules remain in effect. 

• No action is required because of this court order.

VIS will continue to closely monitor developments and will share additional information as it becomes available.

Warm regards,
Visa and Immigration Services (VIS)
Stony Brook University