Major Policy Shift: DHS Ends Duration of Status and Imposes Fixed Admission Periods for F, J, and I Visa Holders

In a dramatic shift for international students, exchange scholars, and foreign media personnel, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published its final rule eliminating the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) framework. Starting September 15, 2026, F, J, and most I nonimmigrants will no longer be admitted for the entire length of their academic or training programs.

Instead, DHS is replacing D/S with strict, fixed periods of admission recorded directly on Form I-94. Moving forward, updating your SEVIS record will no longer be enough to maintain legal status in the United States.

At KAZA Law Immigration, we know how overwhelming sudden immigration changes can feel. Below, our legal team outlines everything you need to know about this new rule and what you must do to protect your lawful status.

Key Takeaways: What Is Changing on September 15, 2026?

Policy Area — Old Rule (Before Sept. 15, 2026) — New Final Rule (Starting Sept. 15, 2026)

Admission Period — Admitted for Duration of Status (“D/S”) — Fixed date on Form I-94 (up to 4 years max)

Program Extensions — Handled internally by DSOs or ROs via SEVIS — Requires formal USCIS Extension of Stay (EOS) filing

F-1 Grace Period — 60 days following program or OPT completion — Reduced to 30 days post-completion

I-Visa Media Period — Admitted for length of employment contract — Limited to 240 days max (90 days for PRC passports)

Dependent Validity — Matched to the principal applicant’s status — Limited by the earliest passport expiration in the family

1. Form I-94 Replaces SEVIS as Your Governing Deadline

Historically, an international student whose program was extended by their Designated School Official (DSO) stayed in legal status automatically. Under the new rule, extending your program in SEVIS does not extend your authorized period of stay in the eyes of USCIS.

Once your Form I-94 expires, your lawful authorization ends. To remain in the country legally beyond the fixed end date on your I-94, you must file a formal Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS before that date arrives.

2. Four-Year Cap on Initial Admissions for F and J Visas

Under the final rule, DHS ends duration of status by capping initial admissions for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors at a maximum of four years. If your academic degree or research appointment requires more than four years, you cannot simply rely on your university to update your Form I-20 or DS-2019.

Instead, you must submit a formal Form I-539 extension application to USCIS or depart the U.S. and re-enter with a new period of admission. This creates an added layer of government adjudication for Ph.D. candidates, medical residents, and long-term scholars.

3. F-1 Post-Completion Grace Period Cut in Half

The post-completion grace period for F-1 students is being cut from 60 days down to 30 days. This change aligns the F-1 departure window directly with the existing 30-day period for J-1 scholars.

Because of this tighter timeline, students will have significantly less flexibility after graduation. You must plan your school transfers, Optional Practical Training (OPT) filings, or changes of status much earlier than before.

[Old Rule] Graduation ---> |---------- 60-Day Grace Period ----------| [New Rule] Graduation ---> |---- 30-Day Grace Period ----|

4. Family Dependent Rules Become More Complicated

The new regulations add a strict rule under 8 CFR 214.1(c)(2) regarding family extensions. When a family unit files an extension together, the approval period granted to everyone will be tied to the shortest validity period in the group.

For instance, if a dependent spouse’s passport expires in six months, USCIS will limit the extension approval for the entire family to just six months. Family members will need to carefully review passport expiration dates and aging-out thresholds before submitting joint applications.

5. Foreign Information Media (I Visas) Restricted to 240 Days

Foreign journalists and media representatives holding I visas face some of the most drastic cuts. Instead of being admitted for the duration of their employment contract, I-visa holders will now receive a maximum admission period of just 240 days. Citizens holding passports from the People’s Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) will be restricted to 90 days.

Because I-visa holders must now file frequent USCIS extensions, government officials will review their journalistic work during each application. This raises serious First Amendment concerns for foreign news organizations operating in the U.S.

Action Steps for Students, Employers, and Institutions

Now that DHS ends duration of status, staying compliant requires active tracking and earlier planning. Here is what you should do immediately:

• Audit Your Form I-94: Download your current Form I-94 from the official CBP portal and highlight your expiration date. Do not rely solely on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
• Set Early Reminders: Begin preparing Extension of Stay filings at least 4 to 6 months before your I-94 expiration date to avoid processing gaps.
• Check Passport Validity: Ensure all family members renew their passports well in advance so that an expiring passport does not shorten the status of the entire family.
• Consult Your Employer or DSO: Work closely with your school advisor or corporate legal team to align SEVIS updates with USCIS court filings.

Final Thoughts: Proactive Planning Is Essential

This policy shift introduces strict administrative hurdles for international students, scholars, and media professionals. Overstaying an I-94 by even a single day can automatically void your visa and trigger severe long-term immigration consequences.

However, with proper tracking and early legal preparation, you can navigate these changes smoothly and maintain your legal authorization without interruption.

If you have questions about how these fixed admission rules impact your degree, employment, or family status, you do not have to handle it alone. Contact KAZA Law today to schedule a personalized consultation with our legal team. We are here to keep your future in the United States secure.

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My name is Daven Ghandi, and I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of KAZA Law. In this article, we discussed the challenges and limited options for obtaining a green card while on a tourist visa. If you’re considering adjusting your status or have questions about family-based sponsorship, employment-based petitions, or other immigration pathways, it’s essential to understand the complexities involved. If you need personalized advice or have any immigration-related concerns, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.