New Fixed Period of Admission Rule

Overview

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a new rule affecting F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents. Effective September 15, 2026, F-1/J-1 visa holders will be admitted to the U.S. for a fixed period of time ”Admit Until Date” (AUD) rather than under the current “Duration of Status (D/S)” system, which previously allowed students to remain in the US through the completion of their academic program, training, or exchange activities.  The new rule also affects procedures related to program extensions, changes in educational level, and transfers to another institution. For more information, view the full rule in the Federal Register.

Impact 

Under this new process, individuals who need additional time to complete their academic program, training, or exchange activity may need to apply for an extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which may involve additional fees, documentation, and processing time or by travel and reentry.

The rule will most directly affect F-1/J-1’s entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026. However, current students, scholars, and exchange visitors should also be aware of these changes, as they may impact future extensions, transfers, changes in educational level, and practical training.

Who is affected?

  • F-1 students
  • J-1 students
  • J-1 Research Scholars, Professors, Interns
  • F-2 and J-2 dependents (spouses and eligible children)

Key Changes Under the New Rule

The new rule introduces several important changes for F-1/J-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents.

  • Students and scholars will receive an I-94 with a specific end date. Under the current Duration of Status (D/S) system, F-1/J-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are generally allowed to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic program or authorized activity, as long as they maintain their visa status. Under the new rule, individuals will instead be admitted until a specific date (AUD) listed on their Form I-94. For most students, this date will generally be based on the expected length of their academic program, up to a maximum of four years. For J-1 scholars, the admission period will generally be based on the length of their program or appointment, up to a maximum of four years.
  • Additional steps may be required if more time is needed in the United States. Individuals who need additional time to complete their program, training, or exchange activities may need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) application and filing fees through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or obtain a new period of admission (I-94) through international travel and reentry.
  • The F-1 grace period will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. The grace period allows students time after completing their program to prepare for departure, transfer schools, change education levels, or take other immigration-related actions. The J-1 grace period remains unchanged at 30 days.
  • F-1 undergraduate students may not be able to change their major, education level, or transfer to another U.S. college or university during their first academic year.
  •  F-1 graduate students may face restrictions on changing their major, education level, or transferring to another U.S. college or university while pursuing their degree.
  • Students who have already completed a degree in F-1 status may not be eligible to begin another program at the same or a lower education level in the United States.

URI’s Preparation Efforts

  • The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is closely monitoring the implementation of the new rule and related federal updates.
  • OISS has communicated with international students and scholars, provided information based on individual circumstances, and worked with individuals who may be affected by these changes.
  • OISS is developing additional resources, including FAQs, workshops, and informational sessions.
  • Updates and resources will be posted on this website as more information becomes available.

Contact OISS

Every situation is different. Students, scholars, faculty, and staff with questions about how this rule may affect them are encouraged to contact OISS.

Email: issoff@etal.uri.edu
Phone: +1 401-874-2395 (press 1)