F-1 & J-1 Fixed Admission Rule 2026: September 15, 4-Year Limit & OPT

International students and exchange visitors are preparing for one of the most significant changes to the F-1 and J-1 immigration system in decades.

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published its final fixed-period admission rule in the Federal Register. If it takes effect as scheduled, most people entering the United States in F-1, F-2, J-1 or J-2 status on or after September 15, 2026 will receive a specific expiration date on Form I-94 instead of being admitted for “Duration of Status,” commonly shown as D/S.

The rule does not impose a lifetime four-year limit on studying, conducting research or participating in an exchange program in the United States. It generally limits each individual admission or extension period to the shorter of the authorized program period or four years. Students and exchange visitors who need more time may request an extension of stay from USCIS or leave the country and seek readmission.

Students who are still preparing to apply for a visa

can review our step-by-step F-1 student visa application guide. J-1 participants should also review our complete J-1 exchange visitor guide, including the two-year home-residence requirement and J-2 rules.

Last updated: August 27, 2026. This page reflects the DHS final rule published July 17, 2026. The rule is scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026, subject to any later Federal Register notice issued after congressional review.

Quick Answer: What Changes for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders?

Starting on the final rule’s effective date, F-1 and J-1 travelers will generally receive a specific Admit Until Date on Form I-94 instead of D/S.

• New admissions will generally cover the program period shown on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years.
• A 30-day period to depart or take another permitted immigration action will generally follow the program or training period.
• Current F-1 and J-1 holders admitted for D/S receive special transition protection.
• Current D/S holders do not need to file Form I-539 solely because the rule becomes effective.
• International travel after the effective date can move a current D/S holder into the fixed-date system.
• OPT and STEM OPT are not eliminated.
• Some OPT applicants will need both Form I-765 and Form I-539.
• The F-1 post-completion grace period under the new system is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
• New limits apply to school transfers, changes of major and beginning another program at the same or a lower educational level.

Is F-1 and J-1 Duration of Status Already Eliminated?

No. Duration of Status remains in effect until the final rule’s actual effective date.

The rule is currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Until then, people admitted in F-1 and J-1 status generally continue to receive D/S on Form I-94 and remain subject to the existing regulations.

The Federal Register notice states that the rule is a major rule subject to congressional review. If that review changes the effective date or prevents the rule from taking effect, DHS must publish another official notice establishing the new date or terminating the rule.

This distinction is especially important for Fall 2026 students:

• Entry before the effective date: The traveler may still be admitted for D/S under the existing system.
• Entry on or after the effective date: The traveler will generally receive a fixed Admit Until Date on Form I-94.
• Already inside the United States in D/S: The student or exchange visitor generally falls under the transition provisions and will not automatically receive a replacement I-94.

What Is Duration of Status?

Duration of Status is the admission framework historically used for most F-1 academic students and J-1 exchange visitors.

Instead of placing a specific departure date on Form I-94, U.S. Customs and Border Protection normally records “D/S.” This allows the person to remain in the United States while properly maintaining the requirements of the applicable F or J classification.

Under the traditional D/S system, an F-1 student’s authorized stay is connected to factors such as:

• Maintaining a full course of study when required.
• Following the academic program recorded in SEVIS and on Form I-20.
• Receiving authorization before beginning restricted employment.
• Following the rules for on-campus work, CPT, OPT or STEM OPT.
• Keeping the passport and immigration documents valid.
• Completing the program or practical training within the authorized period.
• Following address, employment and school-reporting requirements.

Under the old D/S system, a Designated School Official could extend an eligible F-1 student’s program end date in SEVIS and issue an updated Form I-20 without the student filing a separate USCIS extension-of-stay application solely because additional academic time was needed.

Similarly, an authorized J-1 program sponsor could extend an eligible exchange visitor’s SEVIS record and Form DS-2019 within the regulatory maximum for the applicable category.

What the New Fixed Admission Rule Changes

A Specific Date Replaces D/S on Form I-94

After the rule takes effect, most new F-1, F-2, J-1 and J-2 admissions will include a specific Admit Until Date on Form I-94.

The admission period will generally be based on the program end date shown on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, subject to a maximum program admission period of four years. The applicable 30-day departure period will generally also be reflected in the admission record.

Students and exchange visitors should download and inspect their electronic Form I-94 through the official CBP website after every arrival.

The date printed on a visa is not the same as the Form I-94 expiration date. A visa allows the traveler to request admission at a port of entry. Form I-94 generally controls how long the person is authorized to remain after admission.

The Four-Year Rule Is Not a Lifetime Limit

The phrase “four-year visa limit” can be misleading.

The final rule does not state that an international student must permanently leave the United States after four total years. Instead, four years is generally the maximum duration of one admission or extension period.

A student in a six-year doctoral program may still be able to complete the program. However, the student will generally need to obtain another period of authorized stay before the current Form I-94 expires.

The same issue may affect:

• Doctoral programs lasting more than four years.
• Medical, scientific or research programs extending beyond four years.
• Postdoctoral researchers in longer J-1 programs.
• Students whose OPT or STEM OPT period extends beyond the current I-94 date.
• J-1 participants whose Academic Training extends beyond their admission period.

Transition Rules for Students Already in the United States Under D/S

The rule does not require every current F-1 or J-1 holder to file an immediate extension on September 15, 2026.

A person who was admitted for D/S and is properly maintaining F or J status on the effective date generally remains authorized until the later of:

• The expiration date of a valid Employment Authorization Document; or
• The program end date shown on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 that applies on the effective date.

That transition period cannot generally extend beyond four years from September 15, 2026, plus the applicable departure period.

Current D/S holder	Maximum transition date	Departure period
F-1 or eligible F dependent	November 14, 2030	60 days included after the four-year transition period
J-1 or eligible J dependent	October 15, 2030	30 days included after the four-year transition period

These are maximum transition dates, not automatic authorization for everyone to remain until 2030. A person whose Form I-20, Form DS-2019 or EAD ends earlier will generally have an earlier deadline.

Current D/S Holders Do Not Need a New I-94 Immediately

Current F-1 and J-1 holders do not need to ask CBP or USCIS to replace a D/S Form I-94 solely because the rule becomes effective.

They should continue maintaining status by:

• Following the current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
• Maintaining required enrollment or program participation.
• Complying with employment restrictions.
• Keeping their passport valid.
• Reporting required changes through the school or program sponsor.
• Preserving copies of all prior immigration records.

When a Current Student May Enter the Fixed-Date System

A current D/S holder may move into the fixed-admission system after:

• Leaving the United States and being readmitted on or after the effective date.
• Receiving approval of a USCIS extension-of-stay request.
• Changing to another immigration status.
• Starting a new academic or exchange program that requires another authorized admission period.
• Reaching the applicable transition deadline.

How F-1 and J-1 Extensions of Stay Will Work

Under the new system, extending Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 will not necessarily extend the person’s authorized stay in the United States.

The process may involve two separate steps:

1. Academic or program extension: The DSO or J-1 Responsible Officer determines whether the academic program, research activity or exchange program can be extended and updates SEVIS.
2. Immigration extension of stay: If the new program end date extends beyond the Form I-94 expiration date, the student or exchange visitor generally needs to obtain additional authorized stay.

The additional period may generally be obtained by:

• Filing a timely Form I-539 extension-of-stay application with USCIS; or
• Leaving the United States and requesting a new period of admission from CBP.

For a more detailed explanation of eligibility, deadlines and supporting documents, review our Form I-539 extension and change of status guide.

The DSO does not approve the immigration extension. The DSO updates SEVIS and issues the supporting Form I-20. USCIS decides whether to approve Form I-539.

When Must Form I-539 Be Filed?

An extension-of-stay application is generally timely when USCIS receives it on or before the expiration of the authorized admission period shown on Form I-94.

The new regulations permit certain F-1 and J-1 extension filings during the 30-day departure period. However, waiting until that period can create serious employment consequences.

An F-1 student whose extension is received during the 30-day period may generally continue a full course of study while the request is pending, but may not continue or begin practical training or other employment based solely on the pending application.

Students should begin reviewing their documents several months before the Form I-94 date because the school or program sponsor may first need to update SEVIS and issue a new Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

Can a Student Continue Studying While Form I-539 Is Pending?

A properly and timely filed extension request generally places an eligible F-1 student in a period of authorized stay while USCIS adjudicates the application.

The final rule also permits a qualifying F-1 student with a timely extension request to continue pursuing a full course of study after the prior admission period expires while USCIS considers the application.

A pending Form I-539 does not automatically authorize every form of employment.

Are Biometrics Mandatory for Every Extension?

No universal mandatory-biometric requirement should be assumed.

The regulations permit USCIS to require biometrics under the applicable biometrics rules. Applicants must follow the current Form I-539 instructions and any biometric appointment notice issued by USCIS.

Forms, editions, filing methods and fees can change. Applicants should confirm current requirements through the official USCIS Form I-539 page before filing.

How the Rule Affects OPT and STEM OPT

The final rule does not eliminate Optional Practical Training or the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Students who otherwise qualify may continue applying. The principal change is that the student’s authorized stay must cover the requested practical-training period.

A student may therefore need both:

• Form I-765 to request employment authorization; and
• Form I-539 to request additional authorized stay when the current Form I-94 does not cover the requested OPT or STEM OPT period.

Our F-1 employment authorization guide explains the differences between on-campus employment, CPT, post-completion OPT, STEM OPT and economic-hardship authorization.

Temporary OPT Exception Through March 18, 2027

The rule creates a temporary transition provision for certain F-1 students who remain protected by D/S.

An eligible student recommended for post-completion OPT whose Form I-765 is received by USCIS on or before March 18, 2027 may not need to file a separate Form I-539 solely for the requested OPT period.

Similarly, an eligible student recommended for STEM OPT whose Form I-765 is filed before the current OPT EAD expires and is received by USCIS on or before March 18, 2027 may not need a separate Form I-539 solely for the STEM OPT period.

This transition exception generally requires the student to remain eligible under the D/S transition provisions.

A student who departs the United States before filing Form I-765 and then returns with a fixed Admit Until Date may need to file both Form I-765 and Form I-539.

DHS reserved authority to extend the March 18, 2027 exemption in six-month increments through a future Federal Register notice.

What Happens to OPT Applications Pending on September 15, 2026?

Eligible F-1 students admitted for D/S who have a properly filed employment authorization application pending with USCIS on the effective date generally do not need to refile the application or submit a new extension solely because the rule took effect, unless USCIS specifically requests it.

If an eligible post-completion OPT or STEM OPT application is approved, the student may generally remain in F-1 status through the EAD expiration date plus the existing 60-day transition period.

When Can an OPT Form I-765 Be Filed?

Students can begin preparing for OPT several months in advance, but that does not mean Form I-765 can be filed 120 days before graduation.

Under the existing OPT filing framework, a post-completion OPT application generally may be submitted no earlier than 90 days before the program end date. The DSO must first enter the OPT recommendation in SEVIS and issue the corresponding Form I-20.

A practical strategy is to begin preparing approximately 120 days before program completion while waiting for the official USCIS filing window before submitting Form I-765.

Applicants can review our Form I-765 and Employment Authorization Document guide for additional filing information.

Does Filing Form I-539 Authorize OPT Employment?

No. Filing Form I-539 does not automatically authorize a student to begin post-completion OPT.

When both an extension of stay and OPT employment authorization are required, the student generally cannot begin post-completion OPT employment until the required approvals and valid employment authorization are in place.

The rule does not create a general 240-day extension of post-completion OPT employment while Form I-539 remains pending.

Eligible STEM OPT applicants may continue to use the separate existing automatic EAD-extension rule for up to 180 days when a qualifying STEM OPT extension application is timely filed.

Which F-1 Employment Can Continue While an Extension Is Pending?

When a timely extension-of-stay application is filed before the current admission period expires, certain existing employment may receive a temporary continuation of up to 240 days while the request remains pending.

This can include qualifying:

• On-campus employment.
• Curricular Practical Training.
• Employment based on severe economic hardship.
• Employment authorized under qualifying Special Student Relief provisions.

The exact continuation period depends on the employment category, the requested extension period and whether the student filed before the relevant deadline.

F-1 Grace Period Reduced From 60 to 30 Days

Under the new fixed-admission system, the F-1 post-completion grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days. The J-1 grace period remains 30 days.

Situation	Applicable period
F-1 student remaining under D/S transition protection	Generally retains the existing 60-day post-completion period
F-1 student admitted or extended under the new fixed-date system	30 days
J-1 exchange visitor	30 days
Authorized early withdrawal by an F-1 DSO	Generally 15 days to depart
Failure to maintain F-1 status	No automatic departure grace period

The grace period may generally be used to prepare for departure or take another immigration action permitted by law, such as an eligible transfer, extension or change of status.

Employment is not authorized merely because a person is inside a grace period.

International Travel After September 15, 2026

International travel can move a current D/S holder into the new fixed-admission system.

A student or exchange visitor admitted for D/S before the effective date may retain transition protection while remaining in the United States. After leaving and requesting readmission, CBP will generally issue a new Form I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date.

Before traveling, review:

• Passport expiration date.
• Visa validity and whether a new visa appointment is required.
• Travel endorsement on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
• Current SEVIS status.
• Program and employment dates.
• Pending Form I-539, Form I-765 or change-of-status applications.
• Any applicable entry restrictions or Presidential Proclamations.

Does Travel Abandon a Pending Extension?

Travel does not automatically abandon every F-1 or J-1 extension-of-stay application under the new rule.

USCIS generally will not consider the extension abandoned when the traveler:

• Filed the extension on time.
• Returns before the previously authorized admission period expires.
• Requests readmission only for the remaining balance of that existing admission period.

However, USCIS may consider the extension request abandoned when the traveler seeks readmission using a new Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with a program end date beyond the previously authorized admission period.

A pending change-of-status application is different. Departure while a change-of-status request is pending generally results in USCIS treating the change-of-status portion as abandoned.

Students traveling with a pending extension should carry the USCIS receipt notice, the current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and all normal admission documents.

New Restrictions on School Transfers and Academic Changes

The final rule changes more than the expiration date on Form I-94. It also establishes restrictions on school transfers, changes of major and progression between academic levels.

Undergraduate and Other Below-Graduate Students

An F-1 student below the graduate-degree level generally may not transfer schools or change educational objectives during the first academic year of the program.

The restrictions include:

• Transferring to another SEVP-certified institution.
• Changing majors.
• Changing educational levels.

SEVP may authorize an exception for extenuating circumstances, including a school closure, a prolonged inability to provide classes because of a natural disaster or another qualifying situation.

Graduate and Doctoral Students

The restrictions are more extensive for students at the graduate level or above.

During an ongoing graduate program, an F-1 student generally may not:

• Change the academic objective or major.
• Transfer to another institution.
• Change to another graduate program during the course of study.

A transfer exception may be available when SEVP determines that qualifying extenuating circumstances exist.

No New Program at the Same or a Lower Educational Level

An F-1 student who completes a U.S. program after the effective date generally must progress to a higher educational level to continue studying in F-1 status.

Generally permitted progression	Generally restricted progression
Bachelor’s degree to master’s degree	Bachelor’s degree to a second bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree to doctoral degree	Master’s degree to a second master’s degree
Lower-level academic study to a higher level	Master’s degree to a lower-level certificate program

Until September 14, 2028, DHS may delay or suspend implementation of some of these educational-objective provisions if technical or operational implementation is infeasible. Any delay must be announced through the Federal Register and SEVP communication channels.

Special Limit for English Language Training

The final rule limits F-1 language-training students to an aggregate period of 24 months, including annual vacations and school breaks.

This provision is separate from the general four-year admission cap and may create a shorter maximum period for students primarily enrolled in English language training.

How J-1 Exchange Visitors Are Affected

J-1 exchange visitors will also move from D/S to fixed periods of admission.

The initial admission will generally be connected to the authorized program period shown on Form DS-2019, subject to a four-year maximum for one admission. Existing regulatory limits for each individual J-1 category still apply.

The final rule does not eliminate:

• J-1 Academic Training.
• Authorized teaching or research.
• Employment permitted by a specific J-1 program category.
• The two-year home-country physical-presence requirement when applicable.
• Category-specific program maximums.

If a J-1 program is extended beyond the Form I-94 date, updating Form DS-2019 alone may not be sufficient. The exchange visitor may also need USCIS extension approval or a new admission following international travel.

Certain J-1 workers whose employment is authorized incident to status may continue authorized employment with the same employer for up to 240 days while a timely extension remains pending.

A J-2 dependent whose employment depends on a separate EAD does not receive automatic continuation merely because the principal J-1 filed an extension. Once the J-2 EAD expires, the dependent generally must stop working until new authorization is approved.

What About F-2 and J-2 Dependents?

The fixed-admission rule also applies to F-2 and J-2 dependents.

A dependent’s authorized period generally cannot extend beyond the principal F-1 or J-1 holder’s authorized stay. When the principal needs an extension, eligible dependents may also need to request an extension.

Families should download and compare the Form I-94 record of every person. A spouse or child should not assume that all family members automatically received identical expiration dates.

Practical Examples

Situation	Likely result under the final rule
F-1 student entered under D/S before September 15, 2026 and remains inside the United States	No automatic replacement I-94. The student generally remains under the transition provisions, subject to the Form I-20, EAD and maximum transition date.
Current D/S student travels and returns after the effective date	CBP will generally issue a fixed Admit Until Date, moving the student into the new system.
New four-year bachelor’s student enters after the effective date	The admission generally covers the program end date, subject to the four-year maximum and an additional 30-day departure period.
New six-year Ph.D. student enters after the effective date	The initial program admission is generally capped at four years. Another authorized period will be required to complete the program.
Eligible current D/S student files post-completion OPT by March 18, 2027	The student may qualify for the temporary exception allowing Form I-765 without a separate Form I-539 solely for the OPT period.
Student travels before filing OPT and returns with a fixed I-94 date	The student may need both Form I-765 and Form I-539.
Student’s I-94 expires before the requested OPT period ends	The student generally needs additional authorized stay unless a transition exception applies.
J-1 research appointment is extended beyond the I-94 expiration date	The sponsor updates Form DS-2019, but the exchange visitor may also need a USCIS extension or readmission.
Graduate F-1 student wants to transfer during an ongoing program	The transfer is generally restricted unless SEVP approves an exception for qualifying extenuating circumstances.
F-1 student completes one master’s degree after the effective date and wants another master’s degree	A new F-1 program at the same educational level is generally prohibited under the final rule.

What F-1 and J-1 Holders Should Do Now

1. Do not file Form I-539 solely because the rule was published. Current D/S holders generally do not need an immediate extension merely because September 15 is approaching.
2. Download the current Form I-94. Confirm whether it shows D/S or a specific date.
3. Save every Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. Keep prior versions, travel signatures, EADs and USCIS notices.
4. Compare every relevant expiration date. Review the passport, visa, Form I-94, Form I-20 or DS-2019 and EAD separately.
5. Review international travel before departure. Reentry after the effective date can end D/S transition protection.
6. Discuss academic changes with the DSO. New restrictions may affect transfers, graduate programs and changes of major.
7. Plan OPT early. Begin preparing well before the program end date without submitting Form I-765 before the authorized filing window.
8. Determine whether Form I-539 will also be required. This is particularly important for long programs, OPT, STEM OPT and extended J-1 appointments.
9. Monitor official implementation guidance. USCIS, CBP, ICE-SEVP and the Department of State may publish additional procedures.
10. Prepare early for employment sponsorship. Students moving from practical training to sponsored employment should review our F-1 to H-1B transition guide.

What the 2026 Rule Does Not Do

• It does not eliminate the F-1 or J-1 visa categories.
• It does not eliminate OPT or STEM OPT.
• It does not create a lifetime four-year limit on education.
• It does not require every current D/S holder to file Form I-539 immediately.
• It does not make the expiration date printed on a visa control the person’s authorized stay.
• It does not make biometrics mandatory in every individual case.
• It does not automatically authorize employment while an extension is pending.
• It does not eliminate the J-1 two-year home-residence requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the F-1 and J-1 fixed-admission rule take effect?

The final rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. It is classified as a major rule subject to congressional review. DHS must publish another Federal Register notice if the effective date changes or the rule is terminated.

Do current F-1 students need to file Form I-539 immediately?

No. Students admitted for D/S before the effective date generally remain covered by the transition provisions. They do not need to file Form I-539 solely because the rule becomes effective.

Does the rule mean students can remain in the United States for only four years?

No. Four years is generally the maximum length of one admission or extension period, not a lifetime maximum in F-1 or J-1 status. Eligible students and exchange visitors may obtain additional authorized periods.

Will current F-1 students still receive the 60-day grace period?

An F-1 student who remains protected by the D/S transition provisions generally retains the existing 60-day post-completion period. After receiving a fixed-period Form I-94 through readmission or USCIS approval, the new 30-day period generally applies.

Does every OPT applicant need Form I-539?

No. The answer depends on the student’s Form I-94 expiration date and eligibility for the transition provisions. Certain D/S students whose eligible Form I-765 is received by March 18, 2027 may not need a separate Form I-539 solely for OPT or STEM OPT.

Can a student work while Form I-539 is pending?

It depends on the employment category and when the extension was filed. Certain on-campus employment, CPT and other qualifying employment may receive temporary continuation protection. Filing Form I-539 does not automatically authorize post-completion OPT.

What happens if a current student travels after September 15, 2026?

When the student returns, CBP will generally issue a specific Admit Until Date instead of D/S. International travel can therefore move the student from the transition system into the fixed-admission system.

Does travel automatically abandon a pending F-1 extension?

Not in every case. A timely extension may remain pending when the traveler seeks readmission only for the balance of the previously authorized period. USCIS may consider the extension abandoned if the traveler seeks a new admission based on a longer Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

Does the DSO file the extension with USCIS?

No. The DSO updates SEVIS and issues an updated Form I-20 when appropriate. The student is responsible for filing any required extension application with USCIS.

Are J-1 exchange visitors included?

Yes. J-1 and J-2 holders are included in the fixed-period admission rule. J-1 programs and Academic Training continue, but an additional period of authorized stay may be required when the Form DS-2019 period extends beyond the Form I-94 expiration date.

Can an F-1 student begin a second master’s degree?

Under the final rule, an F-1 student who completes a U.S. program after the effective date generally cannot maintain or obtain F-1 status for another program at the same or a lower educational level. DHS may temporarily delay implementation of this restriction if operational changes are not ready.

Related Student Visa Resources

• How to Apply for an F-1 Student Visa
• F-1 Employment Authorization: CPT, OPT and STEM OPT
• Form I-539 Extension and Change of Status Guide
• Form I-765 and Employment Authorization Document Guide
• F-1 to H-1B Transition Guide
• J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Complete Guide