F-1 "duration of status (D/S)" to be replaced by a fixed period — but blocked by a court preliminary injunction one day before effect
United States · Study abroad · Was to take effect 2026-09-15; stayed by court injunction on 09-14
| Country / region | United States |
|---|---|
| Category | Study abroad |
| Date | Was to take effect 2026-09-15; stayed by court injunction on 09-14 |
| What happened | The DHS final rule was to take effect 2026-09-15: F/J holders would be given an "Admit Until Date" set at the I-20 programme end date plus 30 days, or a maximum of 4 years; the post-graduation departure grace period would shrink from 60 to 30 days; graduate and above would be barred from changing the study objective or transferring without authorisation; extensions would require a separate USCIS application (including biometrics and social-media vetting). On 2026-09-14 a federal court issued a preliminary injunction — the rule is not in effect and litigation continues. |
| Impact on applicants | Current and prospective students in the US should prepare two scenarios: if it takes effect, programmes over 4 years, transfers and OPT extensions would all require additional applications. Enrolled students are advised to return to the US before 09-15; OPT filed before 2027-03-18 may be exempt from Extension of Stay. |
| Source: {src} | U.S. Department of Homeland Security final rule (published 2026-07-16) / university ISSO notices and court injunctions (2026-09-14) ↗ Note on scope: Effective date subject to litigation — being tracked |
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security final rule (published 2026-07-16) / university ISSO notices and court injunctions (2026-09-14) ↗ · Last verified: 2026-09-20 · For reference only; not application or legal advice. Always check the official source for current rules.
FAQ
F-1 "duration of status (D/S)" to be replaced by a fixed period — but blocked by a court preliminary injunction one day before effect — what happened?
The DHS final rule was to take effect 2026-09-15: F/J holders would be given an "Admit Until Date" set at the I-20 programme end date plus 30 days, or a maximum of 4 years; the post-graduation departure grace period would shrink from 60 to 30 days; graduate and above would be barred from changing the study objective or transferring without authorisation; extensions would require a separate USCIS application (including biometrics and social-media vetting). On 2026-09-14 a federal court issued a preliminary injunction — the rule is not in effect and litigation continues.
What does this mean for applicants?
Current and prospective students in the US should prepare two scenarios: if it takes effect, programmes over 4 years, transfers and OPT extensions would all require additional applications. Enrolled students are advised to return to the US before 09-15; OPT filed before 2027-03-18 may be exempt from Extension of Stay.
Where does this information come from?
U.S. Department of Homeland Security final rule (published 2026-07-16) / university ISSO notices and court injunctions (2026-09-14) (Note on scope: Effective date subject to litigation — being tracked), verified by us on 2026-09-20.
Three steps and you will see the study or residency options that fit you now.
Free assessment