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Changes to F-1 and J-1 Visa Status: What You Need to Know

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has significantly changed the rules for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors. Beginning September 15, 2026, a new rule changes how F-1 and J-1 visa holders are admitted to the United States, limits how long they can stay, and restricts their academic mobility. It also requires F-1 and J-1 holders who wish to extend their stay to either file an extension of stay with USCIS or travel outside the U.S. and be admitted at a port of entry. Learn more about how this rule could affect you.

What Is Changing?

For decades, F-1 and J-1 visa holders have been admitted to the U.S. with a "Duration of Status" (D/S) notation, meaning they could stay in the U.S. as long as they are maintaining status and pursuing their program. Under the new rule, this will change. Starting September 15, 2026, all F and J visa holders will only be allowed to stay for a specific amount of time, known as an Admit Until Date (AUD), limited to whichever is shorter: the end date of their program, or four years. The grace period F-1 students receive after their program ends will be reduced from 60 to 30 days.

For Those Already in the U.S. in D/S on September 15, 2026

If you were admitted for D/S and are present in the U.S. on September 15, 2026, the new rule provides special transition rules.

  • You may remain in the United States until the Program End Date on your Form I-20, DS-2019, or the end of your post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, not to exceed November 14, 2030.
  • However, if you depart the U.S. and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026, the new rule will apply to you. You will be given an AUD upon re-entry (either the program end date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, or four years, whichever is shorter) and your grace period will be limited to 30 days.
  • If you applied for OPT before September 15, 2026, you may continue working until the end date on your OPT authorization.
  • If you apply for post-completion OPT by March 18, 2027, you only need to file the standard Form I-765 application. You will not be required to file Form I-539 application.
  • If you apply for OPT after March 18, 2027, you must file both an I-765 and the I-539 application with USCIS.
  • If you travel outside the U.S. and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026, you will need to file both Form I-539 and I-765 to apply for OPT, regardless of the timing of your filing.