PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENVER, CO, July 26, 2026 — Pathway to USA is issuing a formal statement following the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) publication of the final rule eliminating “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F, J, and I visa holders. Effective September 15, 2026, the D/S framework will be replaced with a fixed-period admission system affecting international students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives in the United States.
Under the new rule, individuals entering the United States on F-1, J-1, and I visas will no longer be admitted for the duration of their academic program, exchange program, or professional assignment. Instead, they will receive a specific expiration date on Form I-94 and, where applicable, must seek extensions through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Key Details
For decades, the “Duration of Status” (D/S) designation allowed F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors to remain in the United States for as long as they maintained valid status and complied with program requirements. Beginning September 15, 2026, DHS will replace that framework with fixed admission periods.
F-1 students will be admitted for the length of their program, with a maximum period of four years. The grace period for departure or program transition will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Students in programs extending beyond four years, including certain doctoral and medical training programs, may need to apply for an extension of stay with USCIS, which includes a $420 filing fee.
F-1 students are also prohibited from pursuing a second degree at the same level under the same admission period, and graduate students will face additional limits on some program changes.
The following provisions are identified in the final rule:
- F-1 Students: Admitted for program length, maximum four years, with a 30-day grace period.
- J-1 Exchange Visitors: Admitted for program length, maximum four years, with a 30-day departure period.
- I Visa Holders: Admitted for the duration of the assignment, up to 240 days, or 90 days for PRC passport holders.
- Extensions: Extensions require Form I-539 filing and a $420 fee.
- Retroactive Impact: Current D/S holders will transition to fixed dates. F-1 program end dates will be capped at November 14, 2030; J-1 end dates at October 15, 2030; and I visa assignments must conclude by May 13, 2027.
- STEM OPT and Cap-Gap: Existing 180-day extensions remain unchanged at this time.
Background
The final rule represents a significant procedural change in the administration of nonimmigrant visa status for these categories. Under the previous D/S framework, unlawful presence generally did not begin to accrue unless there was a formal finding by USCIS or an immigration judge. Under a fixed-date I-94 system, the admission end date becomes a central compliance benchmark.
Overstaying a fixed admission period by more than 180 days may result in a three-year bar from reentry to the United States. Overstaying by one year or more may result in a ten-year bar. These changes increase the importance of monitoring admission periods and taking timely action where extensions are required.
Impact on Current Visa Holders
The rule affects both new entrants and current D/S visa holders who will be transitioned into the new fixed-date framework. Current F-1, J-1, and I visa holders should review their documentation, including Form I-94 and program timelines, to determine whether future extension filings may be necessary.
Families with students, exchange visitors, or foreign media representatives in the United States may also need to reassess long-term immigration planning in light of the fixed admission structure, shortened grace periods, and additional filing requirements.
Quote from Pathway to USA Leadership
“This DHS rule changes the compliance framework for F, J, and I visa holders by replacing duration of status with fixed admission periods,” said Dan Kost, leadership at Pathway to USA. “Individuals and families affected by this change should closely review their program timelines, I-94 records, and extension requirements well before the September 15, 2026 effective date.”
About Pathway to USA
Pathway to USA provides guidance on U.S. immigration pathways, including investor-based strategies, legal support, and analysis of immigration policy developments. The company offers information and advisory support to individuals and families navigating complex immigration requirements.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding this announcement, please contact:
Rachel
Receptionist, Pathway to USA
Email: contact@pathwaytousa.com
Website: pathwaytousa.com/contact
Phone: Call us today for a consultation on your immigration future.
