Understanding your I-94
Understanding Your I-94 and Admit Until Date (AUD)
Beginning with these new regulations, your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record will become one of the most important documents used to determine your authorized stay in the U.S. Each time you enter the U.S., U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may issue a new I-94 with a different Admit Until Date (AUD). Because your authorized period of stay may change each time you travel, it is critical that International Student Services maintains the most current information in your student record.
New students and current students entering or re-entering the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, will no longer be admitted under Duration of Status (D/S).
Instead, they will receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their I-94. In most cases, the AUD will be based on the program end date listed on the student's Form I-20 plus a 30-day grace period, not to exceed 4 years.
Current students who are physically present in the U.S. on September 15, 2026, and were previously admitted under D/S will be subject to transition provisions.
Their D/S admission will generally remain valid through the program end date listed on the Form I-20 that is valid on September 15, 2026, plus the currently available 60-day grace period. However, if additional time is needed beyond that period, the student may be required to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS).
Furthermore, once a student travels outside the U.S. and reenters after September 15, 2026, they will receive a new I-94 with a specific AUD and will no longer retain the 60-day grace period available under the transition provisions.
Each time you receive a new I-94, you are required to email a copy to international.studentservices@metrostate.edu so that we can review your admission information and update your records as needed.
This will help us identify potential issues early, ensure your SEVIS record remains accurate, and provide guidance if your admission period differs from your expected program completion date.
Failure to monitor your I-94 and Admit Until Date (AUD) could result in the expiration of your authorized stay, the accrual of unlawful presence, or the need for additional immigration filings. Because the AUD may change every time you travel internationally, students should retrieve and review their I-94 after every entry into the U.S. and promptly provide a copy to ISS. Staying informed about your admission period is an important part of maintaining your F-1 status under the new regulations.
Important Reminder
Your I-20 end date and your Admit Until Date (AUD) may not be the same date. Always review both documents carefully.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page reflects our current understanding of the September 15, 2026 regulations and may change as additional guidance, policy interpretations, court decisions, or implementation procedures become available. International Student Services cannot provide legal advice, and students remain solely responsible for maintaining their immigration status and complying with all federal immigration requirements.