Changes to F-1 and J-1 Visa Status: What You Need to Know

We know that international students and scholars may have a lot of questions about regulatory changes to visa status, especially if you are mid-program. Here’s what we know so far, what it means for you, and how International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) can support you.

A Note on This Page:

We are updating our other webpages to reflect these regulatory changes. That process is still underway. In the meantime, this page is the most current and accurate source of information. If other pages on our site conflict with what’s here, this page takes precedence. If you’re unsure how the rule affects you, attend an information session and direct any remaining questions to ISSS before taking any action.

What's Changing

Right now, most F-1 and J-1 students and scholars are admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). This means that you may stay in the United States without a fixed expiration date as long as your I-20 or DS-2019 is valid and you are following the rules of your immigration status. A new DHS rule ends this. Instead, your Form I-94 (your official U.S. arrival/departure record) will show a specific end date.

Some people will need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to remain past that specific end date. The grace period after completing your program may also be shorter, and there may be new rules around changing programs or transferring schools.

When It Takes Effect

The rule is scheduled to take effect Sept. 15, 2026, but that date could change. 

What You Should Do Right Now

F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors
  • Nothing needs to change in your day-to-day activities. Continue your program as normal.
  • Check the end date on your I-20 or DS-2019 so you know your program timeline.
  • Register for an information session (below) to see how this may affect you.
  • Watch your official University email for updates from us.
  • Talk to us before making any changes to your program, travel, or work authorization. What worked before this rule may no longer apply.
Departments, Faculty, and Staff

Please direct students and scholars to this page and our information sessions rather than advising them directly on the rule. Contact ISSS with any compliance questions.

Information Sessions

ISSS will be hosting Zoom sessions tailored to different groups, so you get guidance relevant to you. No immigration background is needed. We'll explain the key terms.

Phase 1: Get the Basics

F & J Student Sessions

J-1 Scholar Sessions

Department, Faculty, and HR Sessions

Phase 2: Q&A and Updates

As additional guidance becomes available, ISSS will host ongoing sessions to share updates and address general questions from the community. These sessions are open to all audiences.

F&J Student Sessions

J-1 Scholar Sessions

Departments, Faculty & HR Sessions

Session dates and topics will be updated as they are confirmed. Check back regularly for the most current schedule.

One-on-One Advising

General questions unrelated to this rule: Schedule an appointment or visit Express Advising as usual. Note that ISSS will not have appointments available the week of Aug. 17-21, while we welcome our new international students to UT Austin, so please plan accordingly. 

Questions specific to this rule: Please attend an information session first. It will answer most common questions. If you have remaining questions that are not answered by the information session, please contact ISSS.  One-on-one appointments for rule-specific questions will be available after Aug. 24. If your situation is time-sensitive, note that when you request an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is Duration of Status, and where do I start?

D/S has been the framework for determining how long  F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are authorized to stay in the U.S. Under the D/S framework, the length of authorized stay is based on whether the person continues to maintain the requirements of their immigration status—reflected on their I-20 or DS-2019—rather than a fixed calendar date. The new rule replaces D/S with a fixed date. 

For further information, start with an information session. It covers the basics and will answer common questions.

My current I-94 lists D/S. What happens to me?

The rule includes transition provisions for anyone already in the U.S. with a D/S I-94 as of Sept. 15, 2026. However, exactly how the rule applies to you will depend on your specific program and status at the time it takes effect. We'll walk through these details at the information sessions.

I just completed my program, or I am between programs. Does this rule affect me?

Possibly. It depends on your specific situation. Please attend an information session or contact us before taking any action, including travel. 

My visa stamp is still valid. Does that mean I am not affected?

Not necessarily. Your visa stamp allows you to request entry into the U.S.; it's separate from how long you're authorized to stay once you're here. Attend an information session before drawing conclusions.

Could this rule be delayed or reversed?

It has a scheduled effective date of Sept. 15, 2026, and is first subject to congressional review. If anything changes, we'll update this page right away.

General Information

What does a fixed end date on my I-94 mean?

It's the specific date by which you need to leave the U.S. or apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS if you need more time to complete your program. Staying past the specific date on your I-94 without an EOS can affect your immigration status. 

Will I need to leave the United States immediately?

Not necessarily. There are transition provisions, and your situation is individual. Attend an information session before making any decisions.

What happens if I do not file an extension before my fixed I-94 end date?

Overstaying your authorized period can have serious immigration consequences. We'll walk through timelines during the information session.

How do I apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS)?

We'll review the EOS process in the information session. Individual advising appointments regarding the rule will be available beginning Monday, Aug. 24.

Is there a USCIS filing fee for an EOS application?

Yes. Exact amounts will be shared as they're confirmed by USCIS.

What is my status while my extension application is pending with USCIS?

This is an important question we will address in our information sessions. Please attend one before taking any action.

Is there a maximum length of stay under the new rule?

Yes, the maximum varies by program type. However, this does not mean that you must complete your program within the period reflected on your date-specific I-94. The difference between length of stay and program completion will be covered in the information session. 

Does this affect my F-2 or J-2 dependent(s)?

Yes. F-2 and J-2 status is tied to the primary visa holder’s program dates. A change to your I-94 is likely to affect your dependents' authorized stay as well. We'll cover what this means in the F & J Student sessions.

Travel

Can I travel internationally while this rule is in effect?

International travel during a period of regulatory change needs careful planning. Please consult with ISSS before making any travel plans.

I will be outside the U.S. when the rule takes effect on Sept. 15. What happens when I return?

Your situation may depend on timing. Please contact ISSS before returning if possible, or attend an information session before or as soon as you arrive.

My visa stamp is valid for several more years. Does that protect me?

No. Your visa stamp and your authorized length of stay are separate. Your visa stamp allows you to request entry into the U.S., which is different from how long you're authorized to stay once you're here. Please attend an information session or consult with ISSS to understand how this rule may affect you regardless of your visa stamp expiration date.

F-1 Students

Do I have to finish my degree — and stop working on campus — within four years?

Not necessarily. The rule sets a maximum period of stay, but it doesn't require every degree to be finished in four years. This is especially relevant for PhD students, who often take five to seven years. Options exist to extend your stay so you can complete your program. If you file for an extension on time, you can generally continue on-campus employment (like a TA or GRA position) while that application is pending with USCIS. We'll walk through exactly how this works in the student information sessions.

Can I change my major, degree level, or transfer schools under the new rule?

The rule updates these requirements, and they vary by degree level. Talk to us before changing your academic plans.

Does this impact on-campus employment?

We’ll cover this in the sessions. Please don't draw conclusions before attending one.

Can I still participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

CPT eligibility depends on details specific to your program and enrollment. We'll cover it in the sessions so you can understand how it impacts your particular situation.

How does this rule impact Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

This depends on several factors such as your program dates, travel plans, and OPT timeline, which vary person to person. We'll walk through it in the student sessions so you can map it to your own situation.

What about STEM OPT extensions?

This interacts with your specific timeline and field, so we want to walk through it properly rather than oversimplify. It will be covered in the information sessions.

Is there a transition period for students applying for OPT or STEM OPT right after the rule takes effect? 

Possibly. A temporary accommodation may apply. We'll share details in the information sessions.

J-1 Exchange Visitors

Does this rule affect J-1 scholars and students the same way as F-1 students?

There's overlap, but also important differences. Please attend the appropriate information session for your situation. Enrolled J-1 students should attend the F & J Student Session while scholars should attend a J-1 Scholar Session.

Do I have to finish my J-1 program within four years?

Not necessarily. The rule sets a maximum period of stay, but if you need more time, there may be options to extend your stay to complete your program. We'll walk through what those options look like in the information sessions.

What if my funding source or program scope changes mid-program?

This can carry immigration implications. Please talk to us before making changes.

Departments, Faculty, and Staff

Do students have to finish their degree — and stop working on campus — within four years?

Not necessarily. The rule sets a maximum period of stay, but it doesn't require every degree to be finished in four years. This is especially relevant for PhD students, who often take five to seven years. Options exist to extend a student’s stay to complete degree requirements. If students apply for a timely extension of stay, they may be allowed to continue working while the EOS application is pending. We'll walk through exactly how this works in the Departments, Faculty, & HR information sessions. 

How should I respond if an international student or scholar asks me about this rule?

Point them to this page and our information sessions. Please avoid giving immigration guidance yourself. Situations vary, and guidance is still evolving.

Can we still hire or extend appointments for international students and scholars?

Check with ISSS first if the individual may be affected by this rule. If your hiring timeline allows, please first attend an information session.

What are our compliance obligations as a department?

We'll cover this in the dedicated Departments, Faculty & HR session.

What if a student or scholar funded through our grant has a status concern?

Contact ISSS directly so we can work with you and the individual on next steps.

Questions?

For anything not covered here, or for matters unrelated to this rule, please reach out to ISSS. We’re glad to help.