Duration of Status

What is Duration of Status?

D/S means your entry to the U.S. is tied to maintaining status, not one fixed date.

When you enter the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student, your Form I-94 should list your Admit Until Date as D/S, which stands for Duration of Status.

Under this current policy, you may remain in the United States as long as you:

maintain proper enrollment;
make progress towards your academic program; and
work only with the proper authorization.

This policy provides students with the flexibility needed to successfully navigate their academic journeys.

Published Changes to Duration of Status

DHS has published a final rule changing Duration of Status, but the rule is not yet in effect.

DHS published the final rule on July 17, 2026. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, unless DHS publishes a notice changing the effective date or terminating the rule after congressional review. F-1 and J-1 students should continue following current ISSS guidance while ISSS reviews the final rule and prepares updated guidance for students, dependents, and campus partners.

Once finalized, the rule may:

Replace D/S with a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on the Form I-94 for F-1 and J-1 students.
Admission to the U.S. will generally be limited to the program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years.
Students who need more time to complete their studies will need to apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay or travel outside the U.S. to request readmission at a U.S. Port of Entry.
The standard F-1 grace period will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
New restrictions for undergraduate and graduate students will apply to school transfers and changes to academic programs or educational objectives.
F-1 students who complete an academic program after the rule is finalized, will generally not be allowed to begin another F-1 program at the same or a lower educational level.

Current Guidance

The final rule has been published, but it is not yet in effect.

Continue following current immigration requirements and ISSS guidance. The final rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, unless DHS publishes a notice changing the effective date or terminating the rule after congressional review.

Transition Status

Students and alumni in the U.S. under D/S on September 15, 2026 will have a transition period.

Under the final rule, F-1 and J-1 students who are in the U.S. and properly maintaining D/S status on September 15, 2026 will be allowed to remain in the U.S. based on their current I-20, DS-2019, or Employment Authorization Document timeline, subject to limits in the final rule.
ISSS is reviewing these transition exceptions, including how they apply to current students, students on practical training or academic training, dependents, travel, and requests for additional time. Continue following current ISS guidance.

Processes That May Be Affected

Some immigration-related processes will change if the rule takes effect.

Students may need to pay closer attention to timelines connected to their academic program, immigration documents, travel, employment authorization, and extension of stay requirements.

Program extensions
I-20 or DS-2019 end date planning
Extension of Stay applications with USCIS
School transfers
Change of education level or academic program
Beginning a new program at the same or lower degree level
Practical training, STEM OPT, or academic training timelines
Travel and reentry after the rule takes effect
Grace period planning after program completion

What Students Should Do Now

Use this time to review your documents and watch for ISS guidance.

Check your I-94 and confirm whether your admission period shows D/S.
Review the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Continue making normal progress in your academic program.
Plan early and discuss with your department if you may need more time to complete your program.
Do not submit new applications or requests based only on the final rule.
Monitor your email for ISSS updates as we review the final rule and any DHS implementation guidance.

Have a question? Contact the ISSS office.

Student Planning FAQ

How the final rule may affect students when it takes effect.

Immigration Process	Current Duration of Status Rule	Final Duration of Status Rule Once Effective
Length of Stay	Your Form I-94 lists D/S (Duration of Status), allowing you to remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain your status and your I-20 or DS-2019 remains valid.	Your I-94 would list a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) instead of D/S. Admission to the U.S. would generally be limited to the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years.
Travel and Reentry	Students in F-1 or J-1 status are generally readmitted for D/S if they have valid travel documents and are maintaining status.	After the rule takes effect, students who reenter the U.S. will receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their new I-94, even if they were previously covered by D/S. Students should review ISS travel guidance before international travel.
Need More Time to Graduate?	ISSS can extend your I-20 or DS-2019 if you have an academic or medical reason for needing additional time. No USCIS application or filing fee is required.	Students will need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS or travel and request readmission to the U.S.
Program Extension Timing	You must request an I-20 or DS-2019 extension before your program end date.	You will need both an updated I-20 or DS-2019 and a USCIS Extension of Stay application before your period of stay expires or travel and request readmission to the U.S.
Grace Period After Graduation (F-1)	F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after completing their program or authorized post-completion practical training.	The standard F-1 grace period would be reduced to 30 days.
Changing Degree Levels	Students may generally begin a higher degree program by obtaining a new I-20 or DS-2019 and following ISSS procedures.	Students will still be able to begin a higher educational level, but will need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS or travel and request readmission to the U.S.
Starting Another Program at the Same or Lower Degree Level	Generally permitted if all immigration requirements are met.	After the rule takes effect, F-1 students who complete a program will generally not be allowed to begin another academic program at the same or lower educational level.
Transferring Schools	Eligible students may transfer their SEVIS record through ISSS without filing an application with USCIS.	Undergraduate students will not be allowed to transfer during the first academic year, and graduate students will not be allowed to transfer at any point during a program.
Changing Majors or Academic Objectives	Generally allowed if the change is appropriate and your immigration record is updated when required.	Undergraduate students will not be allowed change academic major or academic program during the first academic year, and graduate students will not be allowed to change their major or academic program at any point during a program.
Dependents (F-2/J-2)	Dependents remain in status as long as the primary F-1 or J-1 student maintains status.	Dependents’ period of admission to the U.S. will be tied to the primary F-1 or J-1 student’s fixed admission period and any approved extensions.