Final Rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure FAQ

What does the final rule mean for F students?

F students were previously admitted to the United States for an unspecified period of time—known as duration of status (D/S)—to pursue a full course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified school or to engage in practical training following completion of their studies. This unspecified period of time was indicated on their Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” by an Admit Until Date (AUD) noting admission for “D/S.” Students could remain in the United States under D/S as long as they maintained their F nonimmigrant student status.

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 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,” which introduces a new fixed period of admission for F students. Beginning on Sept. 15, 2026, F students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time, up to the length of the program of study listed on their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day period for arrival and an additional 30-day period for departure. This fixed period of time will be indicated by a specific AUD on their Form I-94.

How long will F students be admitted to the United States under the final rule?

Typically, F students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time, up to the length of the program of study listed on their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day period for arrival and an additional 30-day period for departure. This fixed period of time is indicated by the Admit Until Date on their Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record.”

Are there additional limitations on the period of admission (or period of stay) for F students?

Yes. Students enrolled in certain programs of study should understand the following limitations on their period of admission to the United States:

• Students engaged in English language training programs are restricted to a 24-month period of admission, plus an additional 30-day period to prepare for departure.
• Students enrolled in public high schools, which may also include a charter school or other similar school funded by U.S. taxpayers, are limited to an aggregate of no more than 12 months to complete their course of study, including any school breaks and annual vacation.
• Border commuter students will continue to be admitted with a fixed date of admission.

What if F students need additional time to complete their program?

F students who need additional time to complete their current program of study, begin a new program of study, or to engage in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics OPT must apply for an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.

Are F-2 dependents impacted by the final rule?

Yes. F-2 dependents will also receive a fixed period of admission. The period of admission for F-2 dependents may not exceed the authorized period of admission for the principal F-1 student. Like F-1 students, dependents will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record.” As noted below, F-2 dependents may also need to apply for an extension of stay to remain in the United States beyond their AUD or depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.

When will the final rule take effect? Will F students continue to be admitted to the United States for duration of status until the final rule’s effective date?

The final rule will take effect on Sept. 15, 2026. F students will continue to be admitted for duration of status until this date. After Sept. 15, 2026, new and continuing students who enter the United States will be admitted with a fixed period of admission. Additional information about transitioning from duration of status to a fixed period of admission is available below.