Duration of Status Rule Change
Updated July 28, 2026:
DePaul University is closely monitoring
new federal rules that significantly change how F-1 and J-1 students and scholars are admitted to the United States. The regulations will take effect on
September 15, 2026.
The new regulations will most significantly affect international students who enter the U.S. after September 15, travel abroad, need additional time to complete their program, plan to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or a STEM extension to OPT, or plan to change programs or schools.
Please see our FAQ section below for more information.
We understand that changes to immigration rules can be stressful. If you have questions or concerns, contact
International Student and Scholar Services (ISS).
Please be patient as we work diligently to interpret the new regulations and provide you with support and strategic advice during these changing times. We will send further communications as soon as we have more information about these rules may impact you.
We are actively monitoring this situation and will share updates as more information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Rules
Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 students entering the United States will no longer be admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). Duration of Status allowed students to remain in the United States for as long as they maintained their immigration status and continued making normal progress toward completing their program.
Instead of D/S, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue a Form I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date (AUD). This date will generally match the length of your academic program, up to a maximum of four years per admission, whichever is shorter.
Students who need to remain in the United States beyond that date must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay.
Many important aspects of F-1 and J-1 status remain exactly the same.
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change eligibility requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT, or Academic Training;
Yes. If you are in the United States on September 15, 2026, and your current I-94 says “D/S,” you will receive temporary transition protections.
You will not need to immediately obtain a new I-94 with a specific expiration date.
However, you will eventually need to apply for an Extension of Stay before the earlier of:
You will also become subject to many of the new academic restrictions.
Students graduating in November 2026 or March 2027 who plan to apply for OPT should apply as soon as they become eligible. To do so, go to the ISS Portal under Student Requests and click on the OPT Recommendation I-20 icon to start the process as soon as possible. Students are eligible to apply for OPT 90 days prior to their program end date.
Students who submit their OPT application before March 18, 2027, generally will not need to file an Extension of Stay in order to complete OPT.
Travel
If you leave the United States and reenter on or after September 15, 2026, you will receive a new Form I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date, generally the length of your academic program or a maximum of four years per admission period, whichever is shorter. You will also become subject to many of the new academic restrictions.
Students who are outside the United States when the rule takes effect will be subject to the new Fixed Time Period of Admission upon return to the U.S., generally the length of their academic program or a maximum of four years per admission period, whichever is shorter. You will also become subject to many of the new academic restrictions.
This is true even if you previously had Duration of Status (D/S).
If possible, DePaul recommends returning to the United States before September 15, 2026.
You should speak with an ISS advisor before making international travel plans.
You can go to the ISS Portal under Student Requests and click on the Travel Signature icon for a new I-20 with an updated travel signature.
Academic Considerations
Beginning September 15, 2026:
If you are considering changing your major or degree program, speak with your academic advisor and ISS as soon as possible.
The new rule significantly limits transfers.
Based on our current understanding:
Because federal guidance may continue to evolve, ISS will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
You should go to the ISS Portal under Student Requests and click on the I-20 Extension icon to request an I-20 extension as soon as possible. For a DS-2019 extension, contact your ISS advisor.
You should meet with your academic advisor now to determine whether your program end date should be extended.
You should discuss any possible changes with your academic advisor. If possible, you should complete any program or major changes before September 15, 2026. Instructions on how to change your college, major or minor are available on the Registrar’s Website.
You must first get admitted to your new institution and then go to the ISS Portal under Student Requests. Click on the Intent to Transfer Out icon so that your SEVIS record can be transferred to the new institution as soon as possible.
Please note, to the best of our current understanding, after September 15, 2026, first year undergraduate students will be unable to transfer to a new institution until they complete their first year.
Yes. Changing your academic level to a higher degree program will require you to receive a new I-20 or DS-2019 form from your immigration advisor, and then to file an I-539 form with USCIS. Alternatively, you could take the extended I-20 or DS-2019 form and depart the U.S., and re-enter showing the extended form. To do this, you would have to have a valid visa, and also NOT be affected by a travel ban or restriction.
Students who maintain their D/S status will keep the current 60-day grace period after the end of their program or OPT. However, students who enter (or re-enter) the U.S. after the effective date will only receive a 30-day grace period.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISS) is working with colleges and university offices to prepare for these changes.
If you have questions about your specific situation, please contact your ISS advisor.
More information can also be found through Study in the State’s Quick Facts and FAQ.
We understand these changes may create uncertainty, and we are committed to helping students navigate the new requirements.
Stay informed
We understand that uncertainty around immigration regulations can be stressful. Please know that DePaul University is actively monitoring this situation and will continue to share timely updates as soon as credible information becomes available.
Because the rule is extensive and introduces significant changes to the way F-1 and J-1 students and scholars maintain and extend status in the United States, there are provisions that will require additional guidance and clarification federal agencies. As additional guidance is issued and as the higher education community continues to analyze the rule, our interpretation and understanding of certain provisions may evolve.
If you have concerns or questions about how this potential change could affect you, we encourage you to connect with ISS.
This webpage is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Federal guidance and implementation procedures may continue to evolve before and after the September 15, 2026, effective date.