Final Rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure FAQ
What does the final rule mean for F students?
F students were previously admitted to the United States for an unspecified period of time—known as duration of status (D/S)—to pursue a full course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified school or to engage in practical training following completion of their studies. This unspecified period of time was indicated on their Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” by an Admit Until Date (AUD) noting admission for “D/S.” Students could remain in the United States under D/S as long as they maintained their F nonimmigrant student status.
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule, “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” which introduces a new fixed period of admission for F students. Beginning on Sept. 15, 2026, F students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time, up to the length of the program of study listed on their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day period for arrival and an additional 30-day period for departure. This fixed period of time will be indicated by a specific AUD on their Form I-94.
How long will F students be admitted to the United States under the final rule?
Typically, F students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time, up to the length of the program of study listed on their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day period for arrival and an additional 30-day period for departure. This fixed period of time is indicated by the Admit Until Date on their Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record.”
Are there additional limitations on the period of admission (or period of stay) for F students?
Yes. Students enrolled in certain programs of study should understand the following limitations on their period of admission to the United States:
Students engaged in English language training programs are restricted to a 24-month period of admission, plus an additional 30-day period to prepare for departure.
Students enrolled in public high schools, which may also include a charter school or other similar school funded by U.S. taxpayers, are limited to an aggregate of no more than 12 months to complete their course of study, including any school breaks and annual vacation.
Border commuter students will continue to be admitted with a fixed date of admission.
What if F students need additional time to complete their program?
F students who need additional time to complete their current program of study, begin a new program of study, or to engage in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics OPT must apply for an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.
Are F-2 dependents impacted by the final rule?
Yes. F-2 dependents will also receive a fixed period of admission. The period of admission for F-2 dependents may not exceed the authorized period of admission for the principal F-1 student. Like F-1 students, dependents will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record.” As noted below, F-2 dependents may also need to apply for an extension of stay to remain in the United States beyond their AUD or depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.
When will the final rule take effect? Will F students continue to be admitted to the United States for duration of status until the final rule’s effective date?
The final rule will take effect on Sept. 15, 2026. F students will continue to be admitted for duration of status until this date. After Sept. 15, 2026, new and continuing students who enter the United States will be admitted with a fixed period of admission. Additional information about transitioning from duration of status to a fixed period of admission is available below.
F Students
Transition Period
If I am a current student admitted under duration of status, do I need to apply for an extension of stay?
F students currently in the United States admitted under duration of status and present in the United States on Sept. 15, 2026, may remain in the United States without applying for an extension of stay (EOS) up to the Program End Date on their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” or the end of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) OPT extension that is valid on the final rule’s effective date, not to exceed Nov. 14, 2030 (four years, plus a 60-day departure period).
Students may apply for an EOS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services if they wish to remain in the United States beyond this date, including if additional time is needed to complete their current program of study, begin a new program of study or to engage in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT. Alternatively, students may depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.
If I am a current student admitted under duration of status, can I travel after the final rule takes effect?
Yes, current F students can continue to travel; however, as of Sept. 15, 2026, upon returning to the United States, these students may be admitted with a new fixed period of admission.
What happens if I have a current pending application for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT? Do I need to apply for an EOS?
Students in the United States admitted under duration of status and present in the United States on Sept. 15, 2026, who timely file for post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) OPT on or before March 18, 2027 (six months after the final rule’s effective date) do not need to apply for an extension of stay (EOS).
Refer to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services resources for specific information about the final rule’s impact on pending applications for employment authorization.
What happens if I plan to travel when filing for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT?
Students who leave the United States before filing for post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) OPT will be readmitted with a fixed period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon reentry. Upon readmission, students must file an application for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT and an extension of stay application.
Students who file for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT by March 18, 2027, but travel before their practical training is approved, may be readmitted with a fixed period of admission by CBP.
Do the transition provisions apply to students enrolled in English language training programs?
Yes. Transition provisions in the final rule apply to students enrolled in English language training programs.
Understanding the Admit Until Date (AUD)
What does the AUD mean?
The Admit Until Date (AUD) is a nonimmigrant’s maximum period of admission to the United States and is the last day a nonimmigrant is authorized to stay in the United States. F students cannot remain lawfully present in the United States beyond their AUD and must depart the United States or take action to maintain status before their AUD expires.
Is my AUD different than my Program End Date on the Form I-20?
Yes, the Admit Until Date (AUD) may be different than the Program End Date on the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Typically:
For programs ending in less than four years: The AUD is the Program End Date, plus 30 days for departure.
For programs ending in longer than four years: The AUD is four years from the Program Start Date, plus 30 days for departure.
For students engaging in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics OPT: The AUD is the employment end date on the Employment Authorization Document, plus 30 days for departure.
Who determines my AUD?
It depends:
Students traveling to the United States will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) from U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a U.S. port of entry. The AUD will be on the student’s Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” accessible from the Form I-94 website.
Students approved for an extension of stay or change to F-1 status will receive an AUD from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The AUD will be on the Form I-94 attached to the Form I-797A, “Notice of Action.”
Where can I find my AUD?
Students can locate their Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” accessible from the Form I-94 website. Students approved for an extension of stay or change of status to F-1 can locate their AUD on the Form I-94 attached to the Form I-797A, “Notice of Action.”
Extensions of Stay (EOS) for F Students
What government agency handles the EOS process?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is responsible for adjudicating extension of stay (EOS) applications.
Do I need to work with my DSO before applying for an EOS?
Yes. Students applying for an extension of stay (EOS) for additional time to complete their current program of study, begin a new program of study, or engage in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics OPT must work with their designated school official (DSO) before applying for an EOS. DSOs will:
Recommend students for the action that requires an EOS in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) (e.g., program of study extension, reinstatement, OPT).
Recommend students for an EOS in SEVIS.
Provide students with an updated Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” containing the EOS recommendation.
Is an EOS the same as a program extension?
No. A program extension refers to the process by which a designated school official recommends extending the Program End Date in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System for F students who need additional time based on a compelling academic reason, documented medical illness or medical condition or circumstance that was beyond the student's control.
An extension of stay (EOS) refers to the process by which F students apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for additional time in the United States beyond their current Admit Until Date to complete their current program of study, begin a new program of study, or engage in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics OPT.
How do I apply for an EOS?
Students should work with their designated school official (DSO) before applying for an extension of stay (EOS). Once students receive an updated Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” from their DSO with the proper EOS recommendation, they can apply for an EOS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by:
Timely completing and filing the Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” along with all required documentation,
Paying the required fee, and
Providing required biometrics.
Students must ensure that USCIS receives their Form I-539 and supporting documentation before their authorized period of admission expires (as indicated by the Admit Until Date). Refer to the USCIS website for additional information and detailed instructions about applying for an EOS.
Do my dependents need to apply for an EOS?
Yes. F-2 dependents can either be included on the primary F-1 student’s extension of stay (EOS) application or file their own EOS application.
When do I need to apply for an EOS?
Students must apply for an extension of stay (EOS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must receive their Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” before the student’s authorized period of admission (as indicated by the Admit Until Date (AUD)) expires. It is recommended that students apply for an EOS 180 days before their AUD expires.
Be aware that students who file for an EOS within the 30-day departure period may not begin or continue employment (e.g., on-campus employment, off-campus employment, curricular practical training).
My current program of study has a Program End Date more than four years in the future (e.g., a doctoral program). Do I need to apply for an EOS if I need additional time to complete my current program? What steps do I need to take?
Students with Program End Dates more than four years in the future and who need additional time beyond their Admit Until Date to complete their current program of study can either:
Timely file for an extension of stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, providing all supporting documentation, or
Depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.
Students should talk to their designated school official to understand their options and the process for extending their authorized period of admission to the United States.
I need to extend my current program of study because I cannot complete it by my original Program End Date. Do I need to apply for an EOS if I need a program extension for additional time to complete my current program of study? What steps do I need to take?
Yes, students who need a program of study extension and additional time beyond their Admit Until Date to complete their current program of study must apply for an extension of stay (EOS). These students must:
Be able to demonstrate a compelling academic reason, documented illness or medical condition or circumstances beyond their control.
Have their designated school official (DSO):
Request a program of study extension in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Recommend an EOS in SEVIS.
Provide an updated Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” endorsed for an EOS.
Timely file for an EOS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, providing all supporting documentation, including their Form I-20.
Do I need to apply for an EOS if I need additional time to engage in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT? What steps do I need to take?
Yes, students who need additional time beyond their Admit Until Date to complete an authorized period of post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) OPT must apply for an extension of stay (EOS). These students must:
Have their designated school official (DSO):
Recommend either post-completion OPT or STEM OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Recommend an EOS in SEVIS.
Provide an updated Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” endorsed for an EOS.
Timely file for an EOS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), providing all supporting documentation, and apply for employment authorization with USCIS at the same time.
Do I need to apply for an EOS if I want to pursue a degree at a new education level after completing my previous program of study? What steps do I need to take?
Students who need additional time beyond their Admit Until Date to pursue a degree at a new, higher education level must:
Have their designated school official (DSO):
Issue a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” for the new program of study.
Recommend an extension of stay (EOS) in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Provide an updated Form I-20 endorsed for an EOS.
Either timely file for an EOS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, providing all supporting documentation, including their Form I-20, or depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.
Students should talk to their DSO to understand their options and the process for extending their authorized period of admission to the United States.
Do I need to apply for an EOS if I transfer to a new school? What steps do I need to take?
Students who need additional time beyond their Admit Until Date (AUD) to complete a program of study at another Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified school must:
Have their designated school official (DSO):
Issue a Transfer Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
Recommend an extension of stay (EOS) in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Provide an updated Form I-20 endorsed for an EOS.
Either timely file for an EOS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, providing all supporting documentation, including their Form I-20, or depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.
Students should talk to their DSO to understand their options and the process for extending their authorized period of admission to the United States.
What happens after I apply for an EOS?
After applying for an extension of stay (EOS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review a student’s application to ensure they are eligible for the EOS and complied with the terms of their admission. In doing so, USCIS will conduct background and security checks and review evidence provided. Refer to the USCIS website for information about the EOS process.
Can I continue working with a pending EOS?
Students who timely file an extension of stay (EOS) application before the start of the 30-day departure period (included in their Admit Until Date (AUD)) may continue on-campus employment, off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, and curricular practical training for up to 240 days while the application is pending.
However, students who file an EOS during the 30-day departure period (included in their AUD) must stop all employment while the EOS is pending and may only resume work if the EOS is approved
Can I travel with a pending EOS?
Yes. Students can travel internationally while their extension of stay (EOS) application is pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, students should ensure they are available to respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE) or other requests from USCIS while outside the United States. Failure to respond to an RFE may result in USCIS denying an EOS application. Students should carry their EOS receipt notice (Form I-797C, “Notice of Action”) when traveling if their EOS application is pending with USCIS.
Upon readmission to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may admit students for the remainder of their previously authorized Program End Date or grant a new period of admission based on updated documentation, such as a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” reflecting a new Program End Date.
If CBP grants a new period of admission that extends beyond a student’s previous Admit Until Date (AUD) while an EOS application is pending, USCIS may consider the pending EOS application abandoned, as the student already received a new AUD through CBP.
What happens if USCIS approves my EOS?
If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves an extension of stay (EOS), students, and any accompanying F-2 dependents included in the request, will receive an updated Admit Until Date (AUD) reflecting the additional time needed to complete their program of study or practical training (not to exceed four years, plus 30-day departure period). USCIS will issue a new paper Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” containing the updated AUD and attach it to the bottom of the Form I-797A, “Notice of Action.”
What happens if USCIS denies my EOS?
If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) denies the extension of stay (EOS), students and any accompanying F-2 dependents must depart the United States before their original Admit Until Date expires or immediately if that date has passed.
Where can I learn more about the EOS process?
Refer to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ website for additional information about the extension of stay (EOS) process and filing the Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.”
Can I receive a new authorized period of admission by traveling?
Yes. F students with unexpired visas who choose to travel may depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry at a port of entry. These students will receive a new Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” with a new period of admission based on their updated Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record and supporting documentation, subject to eligibility and admissibility requirements.
Students with expired F visas need to apply for a visa renewal at a U.S. embassy or consulate before returning to the United States to resume their program of study.
Maintaining Status for F Students
Can I change my educational level while I am studying in the United States?
It depends. F students enrolled in programs below the graduate level cannot change educational levels during their first year of a program of study unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances. Students enrolled in programs at the graduate level or above cannot change educational levels at any point during their program of study.
Additionally, after completing their current program of study, students are prohibited from:
Enrolling in a program of study at a lower educational level (e.g., moving from a master’s program to a bachelor’s program), or
Enrolling in a program of study at the same educational level (e.g., moving from a bachelor’s program to another bachelor’s program).
Once I complete my current program of study, can I enroll in a new program at a different educational level?
Yes; however, students must enroll in a new program of study at a higher education level after completing their current program of study. Students are prohibited from:
Enrolling in a program of study at a lower educational level (e.g., moving from a master’s program to a bachelor’s program), or
Enrolling in a program of study at the same educational level (e.g., moving from a bachelor’s program to another bachelor’s program).
Can I change my major while I am studying in the United States?
Yes; however, there are conditions on when and the types of students who can change their major. F students enrolled in programs below the graduate level cannot change their major during their first year of a program of study unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances. F students enrolled in programs at the graduate level or above cannot change their major at any point during their program of study.
Can I transfer while I am studying in the United States?
Yes; however, there are conditions:
F students enrolled in programs below the graduate level cannot transfer to another school during their first year of a program of study and must complete their first year of a program of study at the school that initially issued their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.
F students enrolled in programs at the graduate level or above cannot transfer at any point during their program of study, unless SEVP authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.
Can I transfer to another school after completing my program of study if I am still within my first year in the United States?
Yes. Students whose program of study is less than one year may transfer to another Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified school to begin a program of study at the next educational level.
What are examples of extenuating circumstances when SEVP might authorize an exception for a transfer?
The final rule defines extenuating circumstances as “rare, exceptional events beyond the control of the school and the affected students that prevent a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school from continuing to provide the student’s approved course of study.”
Examples of extenuating circumstances where SEVP may authorize an exception for a transfer may include, but are not limited to:
A school closure or merger,
A school’s prolonged inability to hold in-person classes due to a natural disaster,
A student enrolled in elementary and secondary education who needs to change schools, or
Other causes.
What is the process for requesting an exception by SEVP?
Students can access these exceptions through their designated school official (DSO). The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) becomes aware of qualifying extenuating circumstances through notifications from SEVP-certified schools and its own outreach during such events. Students who believe they qualify for an exception should contact their DSO, who will coordinate with SEVP as appropriate.
Remember: Exceptions are narrow and intended to only preserve continuity of study in emergency situations.
Departure Period for F Students
What is the new departure period for F students?
F students now have 30 days to depart the United States following completion of their program of study or post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering and mathematics OPT, a decrease from the previous 60-day grace period. Students must depart the United States or file for an extension of stay before their Admit Until Date expires.
Is this 30-day departure period included in my AUD?
Yes. The 30-day departure period is included in a student’s Admit Until Date (AUD).
