Important Update
The regulatory changes that would eliminate Duration of Status have been postponed until further notice. Changes to the Fixed Time Period of Admission Rule will not go into effect on September 15, as previously expected. Existing regulations continue to govern for the time being.
On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule titled, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information, which replaces the “Duration of Status” policy for F-1 students and modifies other existing regulations.
The rule goes into effect on September 15, 2026. Students in the U.S. in F-1 status before Sept. 15 are provided with a transition period. OIS will continue to communicate with students in the coming weeks via digital messaging, information posted to the student portal, as well as information sessions regarding how these regulations may impact them.
SEVP has published a Quick Facts page as well as an FAQ page.