F-1 Students: Eliminating D/S and Imposing Academic Mobility Restrictions
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.
Under the new final rule, F students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time instead of duration of status. This fixed period of time is based on the length of a student’s 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. Students must apply for an EOS with USCIS if they need additional time to complete their program of study, begin a new program of study, or to engage in Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT.
Note: The information provided here is what we know and understand at this time and is subject to change. Additionally, the new rules could be delayed and not take effect on Sept. 15, 2026 due to potential pending litigations, if SEVIS is not implemented for the changes, or due to other circumstances that may cause the new rules to be paused.
What's Changing?
Three major components of the regulations:
- Elimination of Duration of Status (D/S)
- Academic Restrictions
- Transition Rules
Elimination of Duration of Status (D/S)
Before Sept. 15, 2026:
- F-1 students are admitted to the U.S. for Duration of Status (D/S).
- DSOs have the authority to extend a student’s F-1 status (I-20 extension).
- F-1 departure period (grace period) = 60 days.
On Sept. 15, 2026:
- F-1 students are admitted for a fixed date.
- Admitted for I-20 program length or a maximum of 4 years, whichever is shorter, +30 days.
- Extension of Stay (EOS) requires an application and filing fee and approval by USCIS.
- F-1 departure period (grace period) = 30 days.
Academic Restrictions
Before Sept. 15, 2026:
- DSOs have the authority to change a student’s major.
- DSOs have the authority to transfer students from one institution to another.
On Sept. 15, 2026:
- Undergraduates cannot change majors in their first year.
- Graduates and doctorates cannot change their major at any time.
- Undergraduates cannot transfer to another institution in their first year.
- Graduates and doctorates cannot transfer to another institution at any time.
- Students cannot repeat the same degree level or move to a lower degree level.
Transition Rules
If F-1 students are in the U.S. on Sept. 15, 2026:
- This includes students currently studying, on OPT, or on STEM OPT.
- Students keep D/S up to their program/OPT/STEM OPT end date, not to exceed 4 years from 9/15/2026.
- Up to Nov. 14, 2030 (4 years + 60 days).
- Those who file for OPT or STEM OPT on or before March 18, 2027 will not need an EOS.
If F-1 students travel outside the U.S. on or after Sept. 15, 2026:
- Students lose all D/S privileges that they had prior to 9/15/2026.
- Students are admitted until a fixed date.
- Students have a 30-day grace period.
- Students will need to file an EOS when applying for OPT or STEM OPT.
- Students cannot repeat the same degree level or move to a lower degree level.
What should faculty/staff be aware of now?
- Be mindful of F-1 students and their sense of urgency, panic, and fear of unknowns.
- Students who may need additional time to complete all degree requirements need to determine so and request an extension at least 2 weeks prior to Sept. 15.
- Maintain academic and university policies.
- Keep students on track to complete their degree by their I-20 program end date.
- Monitor and assist students who are struggling and provide active outreach.
- Do not advise on immigration issues. Please refer students to the RU Global team.
- Processing times for Extensions of Stay may complicate on-campus employment or internship timelines for students.
- Students wanting to transfer in or out will face more complexities.
- Some academic options may not be available to students after Sept. 15.
A presentation will be held for all incoming and returning students on Aug. 20 in Clarke 136 and Aug. 26 in Clarke 139. Virtual presentations TBD.
Questions or concerns can be directed to Lisa Hertel at lhertel@regis.edu.