F-1 Visa Rules in 2026: Duration of Status Changes Explained

Last updated: July 20, 2026

If you are on an F-1 student visa in the United States, you have almost certainly heard something about "Duration of Status" changing. Some of what circulates on social media is exaggerated; some of it points to a real proposed rule that could reshape how long F-1 students may stay. This guide separates what is proposed from what is final and in effect, and lays out practical steps every F-1 student should take now.

Key takeaways

• As of this update, F-1 students are still admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). This is current, effective policy per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Study in the States.
• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed replacing D/S with a fixed admission period. A proposed rule is not law.
• Any final rule will be published in the Federal Register with an effective date and transition instructions.
• Your Form I-20, F-1 visa stamp, and Form I-94 remain your controlling documents — check them regularly.
• OPT, STEM OPT, program extensions, transfers, and change of degree continue to follow existing SEVIS procedures through your Designated School Official (DSO).

What "Duration of Status" actually means

Duration of Status, abbreviated D/S, is the way F-1 (and J-1) nonimmigrants have historically been admitted to the United States. Instead of stamping a fixed end date on your Form I-94, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) marks the admit-until field as "D/S." That means you are allowed to remain in the U.S. as long as you:

• Maintain a full course of study at the school listed on your Form I-20,
• Follow the terms of your F-1 status (work authorization limits, reporting requirements, etc.), and
• Complete authorized post-completion practical training (OPT / STEM OPT) plus a short grace period.

The framework is explained by USCIS and Study in the States. See Study in the States — Students and the Form I-94 and USCIS — Duration of Status (D/S) notation.

What DHS has proposed

In 2020, DHS published a proposed rule to replace D/S with a fixed admission period for F, J, and I nonimmigrants. That rule was never finalized. In 2025, DHS issued a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the same topic in the Federal Register, again proposing a fixed period of admission and extensions of stay through a new application process. The key facts:

• This is a proposed rule. It is open for public comment before DHS may publish a final version.
• It is not in effect and does not change current F-1 rules while it is a proposal.
• A final rule, if published, will have its own effective date and transition rules. It may look different from the proposal.

Always check the primary source: search "F, J, I nonimmigrants; period of admission" on federalregister.gov and follow updates on studyinthestates.dhs.gov.

Proposed rule vs. final rule vs. guidance vs. court decision

Immigration news often conflates four very different things. Use this cheat sheet:

• Proposed rule (NPRM): DHS's draft, opened for public comment. No legal effect on your status.
• Final rule: Published in the Federal Register with an effective date. This is what changes the law.
• USCIS policy guidance: The USCIS Policy Manual can update how existing rules are applied. Effective from the date USCIS says.
• Court decision: A federal court can block or delay a rule. Read the court's order — not a summary — for what actually applies.

Who could be affected

If DHS finalizes a fixed-admission-period rule, it would primarily affect:

• New F-1 students entering the U.S. after the rule's effective date,
• Current F-1 students seeking extensions of stay or program changes after that date,
• OPT and STEM OPT applicants, because those benefits depend on maintaining F-1 status,
• Students transferring between SEVP-certified schools or changing degree level.

A final rule would typically include transition provisions for students already in D/S. Until DHS publishes those provisions, no one — including social media commentators — knows the exact impact.

What to check on your documents

Form I-20

• Your program end date in the "Program of Study" section is your controlling academic deadline.
• The DSO signature for travel is generally valid for one year (six months if you are on OPT).
• Your funding and dependent information should match your actual situation.

F-1 visa stamp

The date on your F-1 visa is the last date you may use it to enter the U.S. It does not control how long you can stay. An expired visa is fine while you remain in the U.S. in status.

Form I-94

Retrieve your most recent I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. F-1 students should see "D/S" in the admit-until field. If it shows a specific date instead, contact your DSO immediately.

Impact on OPT, STEM OPT, extensions, transfers, and change of degree

• OPT: Up to 12 months of post-completion work authorization, filed with USCIS on Form I-765. Rules remain those in USCIS — OPT for F-1 Students.
• STEM OPT extension: Additional 24 months for eligible STEM degrees, filed with an I-983 training plan and an E-Verify employer. See USCIS — STEM OPT.
• Program extension: Requested through your DSO in SEVIS before your I-20 end date if you need more time for academic reasons.
• Transfer: DSOs at both schools coordinate a SEVIS transfer. You must begin classes at the new school within the required timeframe.
• Change of degree level: A new I-20 is issued when you move from, say, a bachelor's to a master's program.

If a final rule replaces D/S, expect USCIS to issue instructions on how each of these processes will adapt.

Practical steps to take now

1. Verify your documents. Confirm your I-20 end date, visa stamp, and I-94 status.
2. Stay in touch with your DSO. Your DSO is your primary source of accurate school-specific guidance.
3. Track official sources only. USCIS.gov, Study in the States, ICE.gov, and the Federal Register.
4. Save copies of everything. Keep digital copies of your I-20s, I-94s, EADs, and payment receipts.
5. Plan travel carefully. Confirm your I-20 travel signature is valid before leaving the U.S.
6. Consider consulting a licensed immigration attorney if you have a status gap, prior denial, or a complex OPT case.

How AbroadHub can help

AbroadHub is a community platform that helps international students, immigrants, professionals, and local businesses discover jobs, housing, events, services, and meaningful connections. If you are on F-1 in the U.S., you can:

• Explore jobs that match your visa, including cap-exempt H-1B employers and OPT-friendly roles.
• Find housing and local services near your campus or first job.
• Connect with other international students going through the same process.
• Download the AbroadHub app to keep everything in one place.

Conclusion

For now, D/S remains in effect and the day-to-day rules for F-1 students, OPT, and STEM OPT are unchanged. The 2025 proposed rule is a serious policy shift if it becomes final, but it is not law today. Track official sources, keep your documents current, and lean on your DSO — not social media — when in doubt.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies may change. Always verify current information through official government sources or consult a qualified immigration attorney regarding your individual situation.