A new regulation issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), effective September 15, 2026, will significantly change how F-1, M-1, and J-1 student visas are managed. The new rules eliminate the Duration of Status (D/S) policy, impose fixed periods of authorized stay, shorten grace periods after graduation, revise Optional Practical Training (OPT) procedures, and tighten school transfer regulations.
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially announced a new regulation ending the Duration of Status (D/S) policy for holders of F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas. This is widely regarded as one of the most significant changes to U.S. international student visa policy in nearly 50 years and will officially take effect on September 15, 2026. The regulation goes far beyond changing the length of authorized stay. It also introduces a series of major updates affecting how international students study, work, and maintain their legal status in the United States.
Since the announcement, universities, international education organizations, and student communities have expressed significant concern, as these changes could impact the academic, research, and career plans of hundreds of thousands of international students over the coming years. So, what exactly are these new regulations? Will students planning to study in the United States really be limited to staying for only four years? Which groups of students will be affected the most, and what should parents begin preparing for now?
1. New DHS Regulations for US Student Visas
Below are the most important changes that students and parents should pay attention to.
End of the Duration of Status (D/S) Policy
Previously, most international students holding F-1 visas were admitted under the Duration of Status (D/S) policy, which allowed them to remain in the United States until they completed their academic program, as long as they maintained lawful student status.
Beginning September 15, 2026, this policy will be replaced with a fixed period of authorized stay. In most cases, students will be allowed to remain in the United States for the length of their academic program or up to four years (whichever is shorter), plus a 30-day grace period. Students who need additional time to complete their program must file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Grace Period Reduced from 60 Days to 30 Days
The post-graduation grace period will be shortened from 60 days to 30 days. As a result, students will have less time to prepare and submit applications for Optional Practical Training (OPT), search for employment, enroll in a new academic program, change their visa status, or make arrangements to leave the United States.
Additional Requirements for OPT Applications
Under the new regulations, some students applying for OPT or STEM OPT may be required to submit Form I-539 to extend their authorized stay in addition to filing Form I-765 for employment authorization. This could make the OPT application process more complex and time-consuming than before.
Stricter School Transfer Regulations
Transferring to another school or changing academic programs will no longer be as flexible as it has been in the past. In many cases, students must complete at least one academic year at their original institution before becoming eligible to transfer. Additionally, some graduate programs will impose stricter limits on changing academic objectives or degree programs.
Time Limit on English Language (ESL) Programs
Students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs will be limited to a maximum of 24 months. After this period, they will no longer be able to maintain F-1 status solely through ESL study and must transition into another qualifying academic program.
Summary of the Key Changes
Policy Area | Previous Rule | Effective September 15, 2026 |
Authorized Stay (D/S) | Students could remain in the U.S. until completing their program as long as they maintained lawful status. | Students receive a fixed period of authorized stay. Those needing additional time must apply for an Extension of Stay. |
Grace Period | 60 days | 30 days |
OPT | Most students only need to apply for employment authorization. | Some students must also apply for an extension of authorized stay. |
School Transfers | Generally flexible | Stricter requirements; many students must complete their first academic year before transferring. |
ESL Programs | No fixed time limit | Maximum of 24 months |
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2. Timeline for the New Regulations
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the new student visa regulations will officially take effect on September 15, 2026.
This means that not all students beginning their studies in Fall 2026 will be affected in the same way. Whether the new rules apply will largely depend on when a student enters the United States, not simply when their academic program begins.
For students and parents preparing for U.S. study, the following timeline provides a helpful overview:
Date | Key Event |
July 17, 2026 | DHS announces the new student visa regulations. |
September 15, 2026 | The new regulations officially take effect. |
March 18, 2027 | Transition period ends for certain OPT and STEM OPT applications. |
3. Why Is DHS Making These Changes?
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the primary goal of these changes is to strengthen oversight of the student visa system and ensure that holders of F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas use their visas for their intended educational purposes. In its official announcement, DHS explained that ending the Duration of Status (D/S) policy will allow immigration authorities to more effectively monitor how long international students remain in the United States, rather than having their authorized stay determined solely by the length of their academic program.
According to DHS, the new regulations are intended to provide several key benefits:
- Improve the government’s ability to monitor and manage the authorized stay of international students.
- Reduce cases in which F-1 or J-1 visas are used to remain in the United States beyond their original intended purpose.
- Minimize fraud and discourage unnecessary extensions of academic programs.
- Establish clearer periods of authorized stay, making the immigration system more transparent and consistent.
In other words, DHS maintains that these changes are designed to strengthen immigration oversight, not to discourage international students from studying in the United States.
4. Who Will Be Affected by These Changes?
Although the new regulations apply to most holders of F, M, and J student visas, the level of impact will vary from one student to another. The biggest factors are the length of the academic program and whether students need additional time to complete their studies.
International High School Students in the United States
This group is expected to be the least affected. Students who attend US high school from 9th through 12th grade typically complete their education within four years. In most cases, they will finish their program within their authorized period of stay and will not need to apply for an extension.
International Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students are likely to experience a greater impact from the new regulations. While most bachelor’s degree programs are designed to be completed in four years, many students require additional time because they:
- Change majors
- Pursue a double major
- Complete prerequisite courses
- Participate in internship programs such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Graduate later than expected
If their studies extend beyond their authorized period of stay, they will need to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay.
Master’s Students
The impact on master’s students will depend largely on the type of program they are enrolled in. Most coursework-based master’s programs last only one to two years, making them less likely to be affected. However, students in research-based or thesis-intensive master’s programs that take longer than expected may need to apply for an extension of their authorized stay in order to complete their degree.
Ph.D. Students
Doctoral (Ph.D.) students are expected to be the group most significantly affected by the new regulations. Most Ph.D. programs in the United States last five to seven years, and some research fields require even more time. As a result, the vast majority of doctoral students will likely need to apply for at least one Extension of Stay during their studies.
Overall, the new regulations will have the greatest impact on longer academic programs or programs that are likely to extend beyond their original timeline. The key is to understand the new regulations from the beginning so students can plan ahead and be prepared for any immigration-related requirements that may arise during their academic journey.
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5. How Should Students and Parents Prepare?
Develop a Clear Academic Plan
When selecting a school and major, students should research how long the program is expected to take and whether it is likely to require additional time. This is especially important for research-based degrees, dual-degree programs, and fields of study that typically take longer to complete.
Communicate Proactively with Your School’s DSO
A Designated School Official (DSO) is responsible for assisting international students with matters related to maintaining F-1 status. If you plan to change your major, transfer schools, extend your academic program, or apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you should consult your DSO as early as possible to ensure you understand and comply with all applicable regulations.
Monitor Your Form I-94
After entering the United States, students should regularly check the information on their Form I-94 to confirm the exact expiration date of their authorized stay. This document will become an essential reference for determining when to apply for an Extension of Stay if additional time is needed to complete an academic program.
Stay Updated on Extension of Stay Procedures
Although the new regulations will officially take effect on September 15, 2026, additional guidance and procedural updates regarding the Extension of Stay process are expected as the new system is implemented. Students and parents should closely monitor these updates to ensure they understand the latest application procedures and requirements.
Plan for Additional Processing Time
In some situations, students may need to apply for an Extension of Stay or complete additional administrative procedures related to OPT. Families should therefore budget for potential government filing fees and allow sufficient time for immigration applications as part of their overall study abroad planning.
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