Studying in the US? The F-1 Rules Just Got More Complicated
For decades, international students in the United States have operated under a system that was fairly predictable.
You may have noticed that your visa could expire while you were still studying, but that did not necessarily mean you had to leave the country. Instead, your I-94 record typically showed D/S, or “Duration of Status.” As long as you maintained valid F-1 status, followed the rules, and kept your I-20 updated, you could remain in the United States for the full length of your academic program and any authorized practical training.
Starting September 15, 2026, that system is changing.
Under a new final rule from the US Department of Homeland Security, you will no longer automatically be admitted for “Duration of Status.” Instead, when you enter or re-enter the United States, you will receive a specific deadline on your I-94 record, usually based on your program length but capped at four years.
This is not just a technical update. It directly affects how you should plan your studies, travel, program extensions, OPT, school transfers, and even changes of major.
Before you start panicking, let’s walk through what this actually means for you.
First, understand this clearly: your visa and your status are not the same
This is one of the most common points of confusion, so let’s clarify it.
Your F-1 visa stamp allows you to travel to the United States and request entry. It does not determine how long you can stay.
Your I-94 record determines how long you are authorized to remain in the country after you enter.
Under the old system, most of you would see “D/S” on your I-94. Under the new system, if you enter or re-enter on or after September 15, 2026, you will likely see an actual Admit Until Date (AUD).
That date becomes your deadline to remain in the United States unless you take action to extend your stay or maintain your status in another way.
What is actually changing?
1. You will receive a fixed period of admission
Starting September 15, 2026, you will be admitted until the program end date listed on your I-20, or for a maximum of four years, whichever comes first.
You will also typically receive a 30-day departure period after your program or authorized activity ends.
Here is what you need to understand: this is not a lifetime four-year limit.
It is simply the maximum period granted for one entry.
If you are in a longer program, such as a five-year PhD, you can still complete it. However, you may need to apply for an extension through USCIS before your I-94 expires, or leave and re-enter with updated documents.
So yes, longer programs are still possible, but you will need to manage more deadlines and paperwork.
2. Updating your I-20 may no longer be enough
Previously, if you needed more time to finish your degree, you would work with your Designated School Official (DSO) to extend your I-20.
Going forward, that step is still necessary, but it may not be sufficient.
If your I-94 is about to expire, you will likely need to file Form I-539 with USCIS to extend your stay. This may involve fees, biometrics, documentation, and possibly an interview.
Your school can support your academic extension, but your school does not control your I-94 deadline. That decision is made by USCIS.
So when you say, “I already spoke to the international office,” make sure you also understand whether you need to file something with the government.
3. Your grace period will be shorter
You may be used to having a 60-day grace period after completing your program or OPT. Under the new rule, that will likely be reduced to 30 days.
Thirty days goes by quickly. You will need to move out, close accounts, make travel plans, and finalize your next steps ... all within that time frame.
So do not wait until graduation to figure out what comes next. Start planning early if you are considering OPT, graduate school, a transfer, or a change of status.
4. Changing majors and transferring will be more restricted
This is one of the most important changes, especially for those of you who are still exploring your academic interests.
If you are an undergraduate student, you will not be allowed to change your major or transfer schools during your first academic year, unless there are approved extenuating circumstances.
If you are a graduate student, the restrictions are even tighter. In most cases, you will not be allowed to change your major or educational objective at all, and transfers may only be approved in exceptional situations.
So here is my advice to you:
Before you commit to a program, ask better questions.
What does this major actually involve?
Can you explore related fields without officially changing your program?
How flexible is the curriculum?
What happens if your interests change?
You do not need to have your entire life figured out, but you do need to make more informed decisions upfront. Just in case.
5. You may not be able to pursue another degree at the same or lower level
Under the new rule, if you complete a program after September 15, 2026, you may not be able to start another program at the same or lower-level under F-1 status.
For example, completing one master’s degree may prevent you from starting another master’s degree just to change fields or extend your stay in the states.
So if you are considering multiple degrees, do not assume that academic admission automatically means your immigration plan will work. Academic eligibility and F-1 eligibility are two separate questions.
6. English-language programs will have a shorter limit
If you are enrolled in an English-language program, your admission will usually be limited to 24 months, plus the 30-day departure period.
If your plan is to spend significant time improving your English before starting a degree, make sure there is a clear pathway into that degree. Long-term language study without a structured transition plan may become much more difficult down-the-road.
What if you are already in the United States?
If you are currently in the US under D/S, you do not need to panic or immediately file anything on September 15th.
There are transition provisions, and you may remain until the earliest of:
your current I-20 program end date;
the end of your OPT or STEM OPT;
or the transition deadline set by the rule.
For many students, that outer limit may extend to November 2030.
However, there is one important point you need to remember: If you leave the United States and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026, you will likely be admitted under the new system with a fixed I-94 date.
So before you travel, especially around that time, check with your international office and understand what will happen when you return.
Does this mean you must finish your degree in four years?
No, but you cannot assume flexibility anymore.
If your program takes longer than expected (and many do), you may need to formally apply for an extension and justify the additional time. So, this is prime time to start building good habits now:
Keep documentation of academic advising, medical issues, approved reduced course loads, research delays, and anything else that affects your progress.
You may need it later.
What about OPT and STEM OPT?
OPT and STEM OPT are not disappearing. However, you need to understand how they interact with your I-94.
If your OPT period extends beyond your I-94 expiration date, you may need to file an extension to remain in the United States.
This adds another layer of deadlines. So, please do not rely on outdated advice or quick summaries online. Talk to your DSO early, ideally before your final semester, not at the last minute.
What you should start doing now
You do not need to stress constantly, but you do need to be more organized.
Check your I-94 after every entry
Every time you enter the United States, download your I-94 and review it.
Check:
your personal information;
your status;
whether it shows D/S or a specific date;
and whether that date is correct.
Track all your important dates
Make sure you are aware of:
passport expiration;
visa expiration;
I-20 program end date;
I-94 Admit Until Date;
OPT and STEM OPT deadlines;
EAD validity;
and any transfer or program deadlines.
Do not wait until the last minute.
Speak to your international office before making any changes
Before you:
change your major;
transfer schools;
take a leave;
drop below full-time enrollment;
or accept employment—
always talk to your DSO first.
Treat travel as an immigration decision
Travel is no longer just a personal decision, as it can affect your immigration status.
Before you leave the United States, especially around key dates, make sure you understand how re-entry will affect your I-94.
Do more research before choosing a program
If you are still deciding where to study, ask questions beyond just admissions:
How flexible is the program?
When do you declare your major?
Can you explore different fields?
What happens if you need to change advisors?
How does the international office support extension filings?
Does the program commonly take longer than the time listed on the I-20?
How will co-op, CPT, OPT, or required internahips fit into the immigration timeline?
What this rule does not mean
Let me be clear:
It does not mean you are limited to four total years in the US
It does not mean OPT is gone
It does not mean you must immediately file Form I-539
It does not mean your visa expiration and I-94 expiration are the same
And it definitely does not mean you should make decisions based on social media posts.
Our honest perspective
You are already managing a complex system: school requirements, immigration rules, employment restrictions, and travel considerations.
This new rule adds another layer of things to keep track of. It will especially affect students in longer or less predictable programs, like PhD students, those with interruptions, or those who may need to change direction mid-way.
It also means you need to make more informed decisions earlier, but that does not mean you should avoid studying in the United States. There are still incredible opportunities here, but you need to approach this with awareness.
Read your documents carefully. Keep your own records. Ask questions early. And do not assume that what worked for someone else will work for you.
The rules are changing, and you need to adjust your planning accordingly.
This article reflects information available as of July 2026. The final rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, but future developments may affect its implementation. This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. For specific concerns, consult your DSO or a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.