New F-1 Status Regs - Frequently Asked Questions

Beginning September 15, 2026, most students entering the United States in F-1 status will no longer receive D/S (Duration of Status) on their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Instead, they will be admitted until a specific Admit Until Date (AUD).

The AUD is the date by which a student must either:

• Complete their program and depart the United States,
• Apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS), or
• Obtain another authorized immigration status.

For most students, the AUD will be based on the program end date listed on the I-20 plus a 30-day grace period. Some circumstances may qualify for an extension of stay through exiting and reentering the country, but it is important to consult with an International Advisor or Attorney before attempting.

The maximum period of admission is four years, even if the program listed on the I-20 exceeds four years.

For example:

• If your I-20 program length is three years, your AUD will generally reflect the program end date plus 30 days.

• If your I-20 program length is five years, your AUD will generally be limited to four years.

Students who entered the United States before the effective date may still have D/S (Duration of Status) listed on their I-94.

Students in this transition group:

• Do not need to apply for an AUD.

• May continue to remain in the U.S. based on their D/S admission.

• Will need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) if they wish to remain in the United States beyond the program end date listed on their I-20.

If you depart the U.S. and re-enter after the effective date, you should expect to be admitted under the new rules and receive an AUD rather than D/S.

Yes. The current 60-day grace period for F-1 students will be reduced to 30 days.

Students should plan carefully for:

• Departure from the United States,

• Transfer procedures,

• Applications for continued study, or

• Other immigration benefits.

No. Under the new regulations, first-year students cannot change majors.

Students should consult the International Programs Office before considering any changes to their academic plans.

No. First-year students will not be permitted to transfer to another institution.

Students with unique circumstances should speak with the International Programs Office regarding available options.

Generally, no. Students in F-1 or J-1 status will no longer be permitted to:

• Move laterally to another degree at the same educational level, or

• Reverse matriculate into a lower degree level.

Examples:

• Bachelor's degree → another Bachelor's degree: Not permitted

• Master's degree → another Master's degree: Not permitted

• Bachelor's degree → Associate degree: Not permitted

Yes. Advancing to a higher educational level remains possible when the required immigration and institutional procedures are completed in a timely manner.

Examples:

• Associate degree → Bachelor's degree

• Bachelor's degree → Master's degree

• Master's degree → Doctoral degree

Students should begin planning early.

Changing educational levels will require:

• Coordination with the International Programs Office,

• Updated immigration documentation,

• Timely submission of required forms, and

• Potentially an I-539 Extension of Stay application with the federal government.

Yes. Students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) will also be required to file an I-539 Extension of Stay Application.

Students should plan for additional processing times and application requirements when preparing their OPT application.

An Extension of Stay (EOS) is a request to the federal government for authorization to remain in the United States beyond your current authorized period of stay.

This will become increasingly important for students who:

• Have an AUD that expires before completing all academic objectives,

• Are changing to a higher educational level, or

• Are applying for certain immigration benefits.

Students should contact the International Programs Office as soon as possible to discuss:

• Eligibility,

• Required documentation,

• Application timelines, and

• Potential impacts on immigration status.

Early planning is essential to avoid interruptions to your studies or immigration benefits.

Students who need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) will generally be required to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and pay the associated USCIS filing fee. As of 2026, the filing fee for Form I-539 is $420 for paper filing and may vary if filing options or fee schedules change. USCIS fees are subject to change, so students should always verify the current fee before submitting an application. [uscis.gov], [vlmigra.com]

Additional expenses may include:

• Attorney or legal assistance fees (if you choose to work with an attorney)

• Mailing or courier costs

• Costs associated with obtaining supporting documentation

• Optional premium processing fees, if available and applicable to your situation [govtschemes.org]

Because EOS applications can be costly and processing times may be lengthy, students are strongly encouraged to consult the International Programs Office as early as possible to discuss eligibility, timelines, required documentation, and anticipated expenses.