Duration of status (D/S) is officially eliminated for F-1 visas. Instead of an open-ended stay tied to enrollment, every F-1 student will now be admitted until a specific calendar date printed on their admission record — the same fixed-date system used by most other U.S. visa categories.

The F-1 visa now comes with a maximum 4-year admission period. Admission is granted for the length of the academic program, but never longer than 4 years. Students who need more time must file an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS — or depart the U.S. and seek readmission.

F-1 extension of stay applications now go through USCIS, not your school. Previously, a Designated School Official (DSO) could extend a program without DHS involvement. Under the new rule, a trained immigration officer adjudicates each F-1 extension of stay — including an admissibility review, proof of finances, and biometrics collection.

The F-1 grace period is cut from 60 to 30 days. After completing a course of study or post-completion OPT, F-1 students have just 30 days to leave the U.S. or take action to maintain lawful status — half the previous window. The same 30-day rule applies if a student ends studies early.

English language (ESL) students on F-1 face a hard 24-month cap. Language training students are limited to an aggregate 24 months of total stay, including breaks and annual vacations — a direct response to indefinite ESL enrollment schemes.

F-1 graduate students can no longer change majors or transfer schools. Students at the graduate level or above are prohibited from changing educational objectives or transferring during their program, unless SEVP approves an exception for extenuating circumstances.

F-1 school transfers now require completing the first academic year. Undergraduate students changing schools or educational objectives must first finish their initial academic year at the school that issued their original Form I-20, unless SEVP authorizes an exception.

F-1 students can only move up — not sideways or down — between programs. After completing a program, an F-1 student may only begin a new program at a higher educational level. Enrolling at the same or a lower level is prohibited under the new rule.

Academic delays no longer qualify for an F-1 program extension. Falling behind because of academic probation, suspension, or repeated failure to complete coursework is generally an unacceptable reason for extending an F-1 program.

The new F-1 rule takes effect 60 days after publication. Published on July 17, 2026, the rule is scheduled to become effective in mid-September 2026 (subject to congressional review). DHS received nearly 22,000 public comments on the proposed version before finalizing it.