Immigration Update: Duration of Status Final Rule for F/J Students and Scholars

On Friday, July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a Final Rule to end the current policy known as “duration of status” (D/S) for nonimmigrants in F and J status. The D/S framework permits international students and scholars to enter the United States for a non-fixed period of time, allowing broad flexibility for extensions to academic programs or research, pursuit of subsequent degree programs or transfers between institutions, and the pursuit of work authorization (OPT or Academic Training) for students who have completed their degrees. The final rule replaces “duration of status” admissions to the United States with fixed entry dates of up to four years and requires students and exchange visitors to file a formal application with USCIS to extend their period of authorized stay for extensions, post-graduation work authorization, or transitions to new academic programs. The new rule also imposes certain academic restrictions and shortens the F-1 grace period following completion of a program.  

Key Points 

• The final rule is set to go into effect on September 15, 2026. No immediate action is necessary.  

• DHS has issued preliminary guidance via Study in the States hub.  

• Further guidance from DHS or other agencies is needed. This guidance, along with implementation or legal issues, could modify the impact and/or delay some parts of the rule from going into effect.  

• If the rule goes into effect as planned, students and scholars in the U.S. before September 15 will be subject to special transition rules, allowing retention of certain D/S provisions for a limited period of time or until travel, whichever is sooner. Students and scholars who enter the U.S. for the first time or travel and re-enter after September 15 will be subject to the new rule, including fixed end dates on Form I-94.

• Students and scholars currently studying or working in the United States, regardless of prior time spent in F/J status, do not need to leave the U.S. before completing four years. Similarly, new students or scholars may still obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 or enroll in a program that lasts beyond the four-year limit. However, students and scholars who travel after September 15 and are readmitted with a fixed date of authorized stay may need to apply for an extension of stay with USCIS if their program extends beyond their new “admit until” date.   

• The International Center is working on analyzing the final rule and will update stakeholders as soon as more information is available.

What’s Next 

The International Center is working closely with immigration experts, peer institutions, and university counsel to review the final rule and assess its potential impact on our academic programs and international student and scholar community. Given the complexity and evolving nature of federal immigration guidance, we want to ensure that any information shared is accurate, thoughtful, and grounded in the most current and accurate legal and regulatory analysis available. For this reason, we ask for your patience over the coming days and weeks while we work to provide further information.   

We also recognize that changing immigration policy may cause worry. As always, please refer to your many on-campus resources, including the International Center, for support. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office as we navigate these changes together.    

Anna Garson 

Director- Tufts International Center 

The International Center works diligently to provide general guidance and support to international students, faculty, and staff at Tufts University. The information provided herein is neither a substitute for legal advice nor serves as a guarantee of eligibility for government-issued visas or benefits. Due to the fluid nature of government policies, the International Center recommends consulting with a qualified immigration attorney for complex cases or specific advice.