The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalised a sweeping overhaul of the F-1 student visa system, replacing the decades-old "Duration of Status" (D/S) framework with a fixed period of admission and new extension requirements. The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 17, will take effect on September 15, 2026, affecting new international students entering the United States and changing how many current students extend their stay.
Under the previous system, F-1 students could remain in the US as long as they maintained valid student status and complied with visa rules. Beginning September 15, students will instead receive a specific "admit until" date on their Form I-94 based on the programme end date listed on their Form I-20, subject to a maximum of four years, along with a 30-day arrival period before classes begin and a 30-day departure period after completing their studies.
