Understanding Changes to F-1 Student Visa Regulations
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule in the Federal Register introducing a fixed period of admission and extension of stay procedure (EOS) for F students.
What Are the New Federal Immigration Rules for F-1 Students?
F students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time, up to the length of the program of study listed on their Form I-20, not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day period for arrival and an additional 30-day period for departure.
Important Update: The New Rule Is Currently Paused
On September 14th, 2026, a Federal Judge issued a preliminary injunction–or, pause– of the implementation of the New Final Rules. At this time, Duration of Status is still in effect.
The following information is based on the published Final Rule that is currently paused. While this court decision is positive development, it is key to note that the litigation is ongoing with no clear timeline of resolution.
The federal government has appealed the September 14th decision by a federal judge to block the implementation of the final rule ending Duration of Status. The appeal does not put the D/S final rule into effect nor does it change the district court’s order postponing the rule’s effective date.
Canisius University is dedicated to supporting all of our international students to succeed in all aspects of their time while at the university, prioritizing our mission of cura personalis. It is our goal to support students through change; providing the resources and space to adapt during such a period.
Below you will find:
- An overview of the new changes to federal regulations for F-1 visa holders.
- An overview of what has not changed.
- FAQ section.
- Resources
The new federal regulations have shifted from the “Duration of Status” policy to an “Admit Until Date” or “Fixed Period of Admission.” This means that students will be admitted for the specific amount of time that a student needs to complete their degree and/or program in a timely manner.
Potential impact on students of the New Final Rules
Originally, F-1 students would be on “legacy duration of status” until a full transition period is completed on November 14th, 2030. This date is likely to change due to the pause.
From Study in the States: F students currently in the United States admitted under duration of status may remain in the United States without applying for an extension of stay (EOS) up to the Program End Date on their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” or the end of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) OPT extension that is valid on the final rule’s effective date, not to exceed Nov. 14, 2030 (four years, plus a 60-day departure period).
Students must apply for an EOS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services if they wish to remain in the United States beyond this date, including if additional time is needed to begin a new program of study or to engage in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT. Alternatively, a student may travel and seek readmission with a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to begin a new program of study.
Impact on students who enter the US after the implementation of the potential New Rules:
- Will be automatically on the new rules outlined below, even if the student’s program began prior to this date.
- Reduced grace period from 60-days to 30-days.
Key Points:
- Students may not transfer to another institution until one academic year has been completed by the student.
- Students may not change their major or program until one academic year has been completed by the student.
What has not changed:
- Students must continue to maintain status by:
- Maintaining up-to-date records of all personal, academic, and work information with their (P) Designated School Official.
- Must maintain a full-time course of study unless:
- Student is on an authorized Reduced Course Load due to being in the final semester of their program or due to a documented medical condition.
- Students may take only ONE entirely online or asynchronous course towards their full course of study.
- Example: an undergraduate student can take 1 online course or 3 credit hours out of the minimum 4 classes or 12 credit hours.
- Hybrid courses count as in-person courses.
Extension of Stay
If a student needs additional time to complete their program due to extenuating circumstances, continuing education, or a desire to participate in Optional Practical Training, the request must be filed in a timely manner. A timely manner for submitting the EOS is before the end of the 30-day grace period after the program has ended.
Please note that the new Extension of Stay form is through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a different sector of the Department of Homeland Security than the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Impact on OPT and the STEM Extension OPT:
Students who have current pending or approved OPT/STEM Extension OPT applications:
FAQ
What happens if I travel outside of the United States after September 15th, 2026?
Upon re-entry, you will be placed onto the new regulations of the final rule and have an“Admit Until Date” (AUD) on your I-94.
What if I want to pursue a second degree in the United States after I graduate?
- Entry prior to September 15th, 2026:
- Entry after September 15th, 2026:
- Students may pursue another degree as long as:
- The student is pursuing a higher-level degree (such as Bachelor’s to Master’s). The student cannot pursue a lateral nor lesser-level degree.
- Students may pursue another degree as long as:
What if I need additional time to finish my program and/or degree?
- F students who need additional time to complete:
- their program of study
- begin a new program of study
- to engage in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM Extension) OPT must apply for an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.
Are F-2 dependents impacted by this final rule?
Yes. F-2 dependents will also receive a fixed period of admission. The period of admission for F-2 dependents may not exceed the authorized period of admission for the principal F-1 student. As noted below, F-2 dependents also need to apply for an extension of stay to remain in the United States beyond their Admit Until Date.