Duration of Status (D/S)
Important Note:
At this time, the proposed rule to replace Duration of Status with a fixed period of stay in the U.S. is proposed only, meaning changes may still occur before the final rule is officially published.
Unfortunately, at this time OU ISS does not have the final details of what this change will actually look like when it takes effect.
OU ISS advisors will do their best to help you with any questions you may have but please understand we cannot answer questions on the D/S changes until the rule has actually gone into effect. (Please see below for more information).
To help you stay informed, OU ISS will continue to share important updates through our website (this page) and emails.
Thank you for your understanding.
What You Need to Know
F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are currently admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S), meaning they may stay as long as they remain in good immigration standing and meet their program requirements. D/S has been the policy for more than 30 years.
The proposed rule would eliminate the current D/S policy, replacing it with a fixed period of stay of no more than four years.
Fixed end date on the I-94: Instead of D/S, the I-94 would list a specific departure date tied to the program end date on the Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Maximum stay of four years: In most cases, the admission period could not exceed four years, even if the program end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019 is later.
Reduced grace period for F-1 students: The F-1 student grace period would be reduced from 60 to 30 days.
Formal extension required for extra time: Anyone needing additional time (including OPT and STEM OPT) would have to request a formal Extension of Stay from the federal government (USCIS), which will incur additional fees as set by USCIS. Currently, extensions are handled by international offices only.
Restrictions on program transfers: Under the proposal, F-1 and J-1 students may not transfer to a different U.S. institution during their first year of study.
Restrictions on changes to field of study/major: Under the proposal, F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students may not change majors in their first year of study. Furthermore, graduate F-1 or J-1 students may not change programs/field of study at any point during their program of study.
The proposal is still a draft; it has not been published in the Federal Register and therefore has not taken effect. DHS submitted the final rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in May 2026. The OMB completed their review of the proposal on June 17, 2026, and gave it back to DHS.
Once the final rule appears in the Federal Register, it is expected to become effective 30 – 60 days later. Until then, current D/S policies remain in effect.
Familiarize yourself with the I-94: The I-94 for most F-1 and J-1 visa holders shows “D/S” (Duration of Status) in the Admit Until Date field. That means you can remain in the United States of the entire length of your program – as long as you continue to meet all visa requirements. For a quick refresher on how to keep your status in good standing, visit the F-1 and J-1 pages on the OU ISS website.
Check your passport expiration date: Federal regulations require your passport to remain valid at least 6 months into the future in the U.S. If your passport expires before the end of your “Duration of Status” (or fixed end date) on your I-94, your authorized stay in the U.S. is effectively limited to that expiration date, and you could fall out of status. Plan accordingly and renew if needed.
Stay informed: Follow the OU ISS website, email communications for the latest information.
What is “Duration of Status” (D/S)?
Currently, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are admitted to the U.S. for Duration of Status (D/S). This means they may remain in the U.S. as long as they continue to maintain their immigration status and program requirements.
What would change if D/S ends?
Under the proposed rule, F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants would receive a fixed end date on their I-94 rather than D/S. In most cases, admission would be limited to the program end date listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years.
Individuals needing additional time to complete their academic or exchange program may need to submit a formal Extension of Stay request to USCIS.
Has the rule gone into effect?
No. The rule has not yet been published in the Federal Register. Current D/S policies remain in effect at this time.
When will we know the final details?
At this time, specific implementation details have not yet been released. Additional information is expected after the final rule is published in the Federal Register. Please note that much of the information currently available is based on the initial proposed rule, meaning changes may still occur before the final rule is officially published.
Once the final rule is published, ISEO will review the changes and provide communication regarding implementation timelines, potential impacts, and how the changes may affect UC San Diego international students and scholars.
When would changes take effect?
The final rule is expected to become effective approximately 30-60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Is there anything I can do right now?
At this time, the final details have not been released; we will have more information once the final rule is published. However, individuals and departments may wish to proactively review upcoming program end date and submit an extension request for current programs as early as possible. Submitting extensions in advance may help reduce potential extension delays in the future.
Should I travel internationally knowing there are upcoming changes to D/S policies?
International travel always carries some level of risk as ability to re-enter is determined by a consular officer (visa appointment) and CBP officer (port of entry) and they have significant discretion when determining eligibility for re-entry. However, during periods of regulatory or policy changes, there may be additional risks to consider, as the impact can vary depending on the implemented changes.
At this time, no changes to Duration of Status (D/S) have gone into effect, but individuals should remain informed when making international travel plans.
OU ISS recommends:
Ensure you have necessary documents to support a successful re-entry into the U.S.
Staying informed about current immigration and travel-related developments
Monitoring visa appointment availability and processing times, if you need a new visa
As every situation is different, individuals with concerns about travel or potential impacts to their status should consider consulting with an immigration attorney to discuss their specific circumstances and risk factors.
