Understanding the New U.S. DHS Rule Ending “Duration of Status” (D/S): What International Students Need to Know
For decades, international students in the United States have relied on a simple immigration principle known as Duration of Status (D/S). Under this system, students in F-1 status—and many J-1 exchange visitors—could remain in the U.S. for as long as they continued to meet the requirements of their academic or exchange program.
That long-standing framework is now changing.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule that replaces the Duration of Status system with a fixed period of admission for many nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, fundamentally changing how international students maintain lawful status in the United States.
What Was “Duration of Status” (D/S)?
Under the previous system, a student’s I-94 Arrival/Departure Record typically displayed “D/S” instead of a specific expiration date.
This meant that students could legally remain in the U.S. as long as they:
- Maintained full-time enrollment.
- Made normal academic progress.
- Followed the conditions of their F-1 or J-1 status.
- Completed any authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training.
Instead of worrying about a fixed expiration date, students only needed to ensure they remained in compliance with immigration regulations.
What Is Changing?
Under the new DHS rule, newly admitted F-1 and J-1 visa holders will receive an I-94 with a specific “Admit Until Date” rather than “D/S.”
In most cases:
- Students will receive admission for the length of their academic program, up to a maximum of four years.
- If additional time is required to complete the program, students must apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay before their authorized stay expires.
- Remaining beyond the expiration date without approval could result in loss of lawful status.
Why Did DHS Make This Change?
According to DHS, the rule is intended to:
- Improve oversight of student and exchange visitor programs.
- Create more consistent monitoring of immigration status.
- Reduce opportunities for visa misuse.
- Align student admissions with fixed immigration timelines rather than open-ended stays.
Supporters believe the rule strengthens immigration oversight, while universities and education organizations argue it introduces unnecessary administrative burdens for students and institutions.
Key Changes Students Should Know
- Fixed Admission Period
Instead of remaining in the U.S. for the duration of an academic program automatically, students will have a clearly defined expiration date on their I-94.
- Extension of Stay Required
Students whose degree programs extend beyond their authorized stay must submit an application to USCIS requesting an extension before their I-94 expires.
Unlike the previous system, additional time is not automatic.
- Shorter Grace Period
The grace period after completing studies has been reduced:
- Previous rule: 60 days
- New rule: 30 days
This gives graduates less time to prepare for departure, transfer schools, or change immigration status.
- New Restrictions on Academic Changes
The rule introduces additional limits involving:
- Changing majors
- Transferring schools
- Beginning another academic program
Students should consult their Designated School Official (DSO) before making significant academic changes.
Who Is Most Affected?
The impact will vary depending on the type of academic program.
Students likely to feel the greatest impact include:
- Ph.D. candidates
- Medical residents
- Research scholars
- Students in lengthy professional degree programs
Many of these programs routinely exceed four years, meaning participants may need to apply for one or more extensions during their studies.
What About Current Students?
The final rule includes transition provisions for students who are already in the United States under the existing D/S system before the rule’s effective date.
Current students should carefully review guidance from their university’s international student office because transition rules differ depending on travel history and current immigration status. Traveling outside the U.S. after the effective date may result in receiving a fixed-date I-94 upon re-entry.
What Should International Students Do?
If you are planning to study in the United States, consider taking these proactive steps:
- Verify the expiration date on your I-94 after every U.S. entry.
- Stay in close contact with your Designated School Official (DSO).
- Begin planning extension applications well before your authorized stay expires.
- Keep all immigration documents current.
- Monitor updates from USCIS, DHS, and your university’s international student office.
Proper planning will become even more important under the new system.
Final Thoughts
The elimination of Duration of Status (D/S) represents one of the most significant changes to U.S. student immigration policy in decades. While the goal is to strengthen oversight and standardize immigration procedures, the rule also introduces additional responsibilities for international students.
Understanding your authorized period of stay, monitoring your immigration documents, and applying for extensions on time will become essential to maintaining lawful status.
As with any immigration policy change, students should rely on official government guidance and consult their university’s international student office or a qualified immigration attorney if they have questions about their individual circumstances.
If you are a student who wishes to study in the US and have questions, contact our student counsellors at Edvantage International.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and policies can change, and individual circumstances vary.
Sources: (not a comprehensive list)
https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2026/07/17/2026-14439.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
