Duration of Status Changes FAQs

Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students will no longer be admitted to the U.S. under Duration of Status (D/S). Instead, students will receive a fixed period of admission called an Admit Until Date (AUD), which will generally be based on the program end date listed on their Form I-20 plus a grace period, not to exceed 4 years. This change also affects program extensions, transfers, academic changes, travel, OPT/STEM OPT, and other aspects of maintaining F-1 status.

The Admit Until Date (AUD) is the date listed on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record that indicates the last day you are authorized to remain in the U.S. Under the new regulations, the AUD will become one of the most important immigration dates students must monitor.

No. Your I-20 program end date and your I-94 Admit Until Date may be different. Students should carefully review both documents and understand which date controls their authorized stay in the U.S.

Students who need additional time may need to complete a two-step process. First, they must obtain an I-20 Program Extension from ISS. Second, they may need to file Form I-539 with USCIS to request an Extension of Stay (EOS). Receiving an updated I-20 does not automatically guarantee that your authorized stay has been extended.

Yes. Students who will not complete their degree requirements by their I-20 program end date must continue to request an I-20 Program Extension through ISS. However, under the new regulations, some students may also need to apply separately to USCIS for an Extension of Stay.

Yes. USCIS may deny an EOS application for many reasons, including failure to maintain status, unauthorized employment, failure to maintain full-time enrollment, insufficient academic progress, academic dismissal, criminal history, lack of financial support, or failure to apply before the expiration of the authorized stay. USCIS, not ISS, makes the final decision on EOS applications.

Under the new regulations, the information reported in SEVIS and listed on your I-20 becomes even more important. Students must ensure that their major, degree level, additional majors, and expected graduation date accurately reflect their academic plans. Inaccurate information could affect eligibility for immigration benefits and continued F-1 status.

Generally, no during the first academic year in the U.S. Undergraduate F-1 students will generally be prohibited from changing majors, transferring schools, or changing educational levels during their first academic year.

Yes. In many cases, graduate students may not be permitted to change academic programs or transfer to another institution except in limited circumstances authorized by SEVP.

Generally, no. The new regulations prohibit most forms of lateral matriculation (earning another degree at the same level) and reverse matriculation (earning a degree at a lower level after completing a higher-level degree). For example, a student who completes a bachelor's degree generally cannot pursue a second bachelor's degree while maintaining F-1 status.

Possibly, but only if you are advancing to a higher educational level. For example, a student who completes a bachelor's degree and uses OPT may generally pursue a master's degree. However, a student who completes a bachelor's degree and then seeks another bachelor's degree would generally not be permitted to continue in F-1 status for that program.

No. OPT and STEM Extension remain available. Students who meet eligibility requirements may continue to apply for these benefits.

Students may now need to monitor two separate timelines: their employment authorization dates and their immigration admission dates. In some situations, students applying for OPT or STEM OPT may also need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application in addition to the traditional employment authorization application.

Under the new regulations, the standard grace period following completion of a degree program or OPT/STEM OPT will generally be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Students admitted under transition provisions may temporarily retain the 60-day grace period until they receive a new AUD through travel or an approved EOS.

No. Students who fail to complete their program, violate F-1 regulations, engage in unauthorized employment, fail to maintain enrollment, or otherwise fall out of status generally do not receive a grace period.

Each time you enter the U.S, CBP may issue a new I-94 with a different Admit Until Date (AUD). ISS needs your most current I-94 to ensure that your record remains accurate, identify possible immigration issues, and provide guidance if your admission period differs from your program completion timeline.

You are. While ISS provides advising and support, students are ultimately responsible for understanding their immigration documents, monitoring their I-20 and I-94 records, complying with all F-1 regulations, meeting filing deadlines, and maintaining lawful status in the U.S.