On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media” that will fundamentally change how F and J visa holders (students and exchange visitors) are admitted to and maintain status in the U.S. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. 

The rule replaces the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) framework with fixed admission periods and requires certain international students and scholars to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they need additional time in the U.S. to complete their program.

During the transition period between now and September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 visa holders should maintain status by participating in their program as indicated on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, following all employment authorization rules, and reviewing emails from OISS. F-1 and J-1 visa holders should check in with OISS before traveling outside the United States, especially if returning to the United States on or after September 15, 2026. 

Below are key highlights of the rule. This information constitutes our best verifiable interpretation at this time. OISS, in consultation with OGC, will provide regular updates as DHS, USCIS, DOS, SEVP, and other agencies issue verifiable implementation guidance. 

More detailed guidance and information about specific situations will be available to all students and scholars through an upcoming online Homebase course. We will email you with additional information related to this course.

Disclaimer

The information and updates provided on this website reflect our best current understanding of the new regulations and are provided for general informational and educational purposes only. This information is subject to change as we receive additional information. We will continually update this website to reflect forthcoming guidance from various agencies on both the interpretation and implementation of the regulations. Information on this webpage does not constitute legal advice. We request that any departments or individuals with immigration related questions regarding the new regulations contact OISS directly at oiss@wustl.edu. For departments with questions related to academics, please reach out to the Vice Provost for Graduate Education at vpge@wustl.edu. We are committed to supporting you through this transition.

Select your immigration status for specific changes:

F-1 students

J-1 students

J-1 scholars

F-1 students 

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s (SEVP) Study in the States website has addressed FAQs for the final rule for F-1 students. This information can be found on their website.

Fixed admission:

  • F-1 students admitted to the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 will be admitted for a fixed period tied to the program dates listed on Form I-20, not to exceed four years. 
  • Current students admitted with D/S can remain in the U.S. through the end date of their I-20, not to extend beyond 4 years past the rule effective date of September 15, 2026. They will not receive a new I-94 with an “Admit Until Date” (AUD) unless they travel and re-enter or file an extension of stay (Form I-539) and receive an I-797A approval notice which will have a new I-94 with a fixed AUD attached on the bottom of the form.

Extension of stay:

  • Starting September 15, 2026, all students who need additional time beyond the fixed admission period must apply to USCIS for an extension of stay. 
  • The extension must be recommended by your OISS adviser who is a Designated School Official (DSO) before the Form I-20 end date and the extension of stay petition (Form I-539) must be received by USCIS before the student’s admission period expires. If the Form I-539 is filed in a timely manner, the student may remain in the United States in a period of authorized stay while the extension of stay petition is pending, until USCIS issues a decision.
  • USCIS may require biometrics and, in some cases, an interview. USCIS has not yet provided information on where or how these requirements will be administered. We will update this section with additional information once it is available.

Grace period:

  • The grace period after program completion is shortened to 30 days (from the current 60 days). Upon entry to the U.S. after September 15, the I-94 should reflect the new grace period.

OPT/STEM OPT:

  • Transition Provision: Students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT before March 18, 2027 do not need to apply for an extension of stay (Form I-539) when they apply for employment authorization (Form I-765).
  • The transition provision no longer applies to students who travel and reenter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026.
  • Students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT on or after March 18, 2027 must apply for an extension of stay (Form I-539) through USCIS in addition to filing the employment authorization application (Form I-765). The timing and mechanics of filing both applications are unknown at this time. We will update as additional information is available.

Change of level:

  • No F-1 student (graduate or undergraduate) can begin a new program at the same or a lower educational level after completing the program for which they were originally admitted.  

Transfers and change of program:

  • Undergraduate students cannot transfer institutions, change educational level, or change major(s) during the first year of study. Changes to major(s), including adding a double major or removing a double major, can be done after the first year of study.
  • Graduate students cannot transfer institutions, change educational level, or change program(s) of study at any time during their academic program.
  • Graduate students can enter into multiple programs at the start of their WashU I-20. They cannot add or remove any program during the course of their academic studies.

J-1 students 

Fixed admission:

  • J-1 students admitted to the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 will be admitted for a fixed period tied to the program dates listed on Form DS-2019, not to exceed four years. 
  • Current students admitted with D/S can remain in the U.S. through the end date of their DS-2019, not to extend beyond 4 years past the rule effective date of September 15, 2026. They will not receive a new I-94 with an “Admit Until Date” (AUD) unless they travel and re-enter or file an extension of stay (Form I-539) and receive an I-797A approval notice which will have a new I-94 with a fixed AUD attached on the bottom of the form.

Extension of stay:

  • Starting September 15, 2026, students who need additional time beyond the fixed admission period must apply to USCIS for an extension of stay. 
  • The extension must be recommended by your OISS adviser who is an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) before the Form DS-2019 end date and received by USCIS before the student’s admission period expires.  If the Form I-539 is filed in a timely manner, the student may remain in the United States in a period of authorized stay while the extension of stay petition is pending, until USCIS issues a decision.
  • USCIS may require biometrics and, in some cases, an interview. USCIS has not yet provided information on where or how these requirements will be administered. We will update this section with additional information once it is available.

J-1 scholars 

Fixed admission:

  • J-1 nonimmigrants admitted to the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 will be admitted for a fixed period tied to the program dates listed on their Form DS-2019, not to exceed four years.
  • Departments should consult with OISS to determine the appointment period that may be approved based on available funding and applicable immigration regulations.
  • Current scholars admitted with D/S can remain in the U.S. through the end date of their DS-2019, not to extend beyond 4 years past the rule effective date of September 15, 2026. They will not receive a new I-94 with an “Admit Until Date” (AUD) unless they travel and re-enter or file an extension of stay (Form I-539) and receive an I-797A approval notice which will have a new I-94 with a fixed AUD attached on the bottom of the form.

Extension of stay:

  • Starting September 15, 2026, scholars who need additional time beyond the fixed admission period must apply to USCIS for an extension of stay. 
  • The extension must be recommended by your OISS adviser who is an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) before the Form DS-2019 end date and received by USCIS before the scholar’s admission period expires. If the Form I-539 is filed in a timely manner, the scholar may remain in the United States in a period of authorized stay while the extension of stay petition is pending, until USCIS issues a decision.
  • USCIS may require biometrics and, in some cases, an interview. USCIS has not yet provided information on where or how these requirements will be administered. We will update this section with additional information once it is available.
  • Scholars should work with their host department six months before their DS-2019 end date if additional time is needed to complete the J-1 program objective. This timeline is subject to change as additional guidance is received from USCIS.