On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the final rule, ҠThis rule will significantly change how F-1 and J-1 visa holders are admitted to and maintain their status in the United States. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
Under the new rule, the longstanding "duration of status" (D/S) framework will be replaced with fixed admission periods. In addition, certain international students and exchange visitors who require additional time to complete their program will need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Until the rule takes effect on September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 visa holders should continue maintaining their status by following the terms of their Form I-20 or DS-2019, complying with all employment authorization requirements, and carefully reviewing communications from OISS. Students and exchange visitors should also consult OISS before traveling internationally, particularly if they plan to re-enter the United States on or after September 15, 2026.
The information below summarizes key provisions of the rule based on our current understanding. As DHS, USCIS, the Department of State (DOS), SEVP, and other government agencies release additional implementation guidance, OISS will continue to provide updates and clarification.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is based on our best current understanding of the new regulations and is provided for informational purposes only. As federal agencies release additional guidance, this information may be updated to reflect new developments and implementation requirements.
This webpage does not provide legal advice. If you have questions about the regulations or their potential impact, please contact OISS at oiss@unh.edu. We appreciate your patience and are committed to providing timely updates and support throughout this transition.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has published a list of frequently asked questions about the new rule for F-1 students. You can find that information on the Study in the States website:
Fixed Admission Period
Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students will no longer be admitted to the United States under the "Duration of Status" (D/S) system.
Students entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will receive an admission period based on the program end date listed on their Form I-20 plus a grace period, up to a maximum of four years.
Students who are already in the United States and were admitted under D/S may continue their studies through the end date listed on their current I-20. However, their stay cannot extend beyond four years after September 15, 2026, without additional action.
Current students will not automatically receive a new I-94 showing an "Admit Until Date" (AUD). A new I-94 with a fixed admission end date (a new extended AUD) will only be issued if:
you travel outside the United States and reenter, or
you apply for and receive an Extension of Stay approval from USCIS.
Extension of Stay (EOS)
Starting September 15, 2026, students who need more time to complete their academic program must apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay.
Your OISS advisor must first approve and recommend the extension before your I-20 end date.
USCIS must receive your Extension of Stay application (Form I-539) before your admission period (your AUD) expires.
If you submit the application on time, you may remain in the United States while USCIS reviews your case (while your application is pending), even if a decision has not yet been made.
USCIS may require fingerprinting (biometrics) or an interview as part of the process. Additional details about these requirements have not yet been released.
Grace Period After Program Completion
The grace period for F-1 students after completing their program will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Students entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026, should see the new 30-day grace period reflected on their I-94 record.
OPT and STEM OPT
Temporary Transition Rule
Students who:
have not traveled and reentered the United States on or after September 15, 2026, and
apply for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT before March 18, 2027,
will not need to file an Extension of Stay application (Form I-539) when submitting their employment authorization application (Form I-765).
***Important: This temporary exception ends if you travel outside the United States and reenter on or after September 15, 2026.
After March 18, 2027
Students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT on or after March 18, 2027, will be required to:
File an Extension of Stay application (Form I-539), and
File an employment authorization application (Form I-765).
USCIS has not yet provided guidance about how these applications should be filed together or the recommended timeline. OISS will share updates as more information becomes available.
Starting a New Program
After completing the program for which you were initially admitted, you may not begin a new program at the same or a lower educational level in F-1 status.
Transfers, Majors, and Program Changes
Undergraduate Students
During their first academic year, students may not:
transfer to another institution,
change your educational level, or
change your major.
After your first year, you may change your major, add a second major, or remove a second major.
Graduate Students
Graduate students may not:
transfer to another institution,
change their educational level, or
change their program of study after beginning their academic program.
Students who are admitted to multiple graduate programs may include all programs on their initial UNH I-20. However, programs cannot be added or removed after studies begin.
Fixed Admission Period
Beginning September 15, 2026, J-1 students will no longer be admitted to the United States under the "Duration of Status" (D/S) system.
Students entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will receive an admission period based on the program end date listed on their Form DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years.
Students who are already in the United States and were admitted under D/S may continue their program through the end date listed on their current DS-2019. However, their stay cannot extend beyond four years after September 15, 2026, without additional action.
Current students will not automatically receive a new I-94 showing an "Admit Until Date" (AUD). A new I-94 with a fixed admission end date will only be issued if:
you travel outside the United States and reenter, or
you apply for and receive an Extension of Stay approval from USCIS.
Extension of Stay (EOS)
Starting September 15, 2026, J-1 students who need additional time to complete their program must apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay.
Your OISS advisor must recommend the extension before the end date on your DS-2019.
USCIS must receive your Extension of Stay application (Form I-539) before your admission period (your AUD) expires.
If your application is submitted on time, you may remain in the United States while USCIS reviews your request (while your application is pending), even if your admission period ends before a decision is made.
USCIS may require fingerprinting (biometrics) or an interview as part of the application process. Additional details about these requirements have not yet been released. OISS will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Department of Homeland Security Study in the States –
Department of Homeland Security Study in the States –
International Student Resource Center –
International Student Resource Center
FIXED ADMISSIONS PERIOD:
- J-1 nonimmigrants admitted to the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will be admitted for a fixed period based on the program dates listed on Form DS-2019, up to four years. The Admit Until Date (AUD) will include the 30-day grace period and is listed on your I-94 Admissions Record.
- Current scholars admitted with duration of status (D/S) may remain in the United States through the end date on their DS-2019, not to exceed four years after September 15, 2026.
- These scholars will not receive a new I-94 with an Admit Until Date (AUD) unless they travel and re-enter the United States or file Form I-539 (Extension of Stay Application) and receive an I-797A approval notice, which includes a new I-94 with a fixed AUD.
- Departments should consult with OISS to determine the appointment period that may be approved based on available funding and applicable immigration regulations.
EXTENSION OF STAY (EOS):
- Beginning September 15, 2026, scholars who need time beyond the end date listed on their Form DS-2019 must apply to USCIS for an extension of stay.
- Your OISS advisor must recommend the extension before the DS-2019 end date, and USCIS must receive Form I-539 (Extension of Stay Application) before your admission period expires. If filed on time, you may remain in the United States in a period of authorized stay while USCIS reviews the application.
- USCIS may require biometrics or an interview. OISS will provide additional details as USCIS releases guidance.
- If additional time is needed to complete your J-1 program, work with your host department at least six months before your DS-2019 end date. This timeline may change as USCIS issues further guidance.
J-1 SCHOLAR SPECIFIC RESOURCES:
- International Student (and Scholar) Resource Center – external resource
- U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Private Sector Exchange – external resource
