DHS Final F-1 Visa Rule Information Webinar

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule in the Federal Register. The new rule will take effect on September 15, 2026.

In addition to replacing the current Duration of Status (D/S) admission process with a fixed end date on Form I-94, the final rule introduces several significant changes. The rule also includes transition provisions for F and J visa holders who were admitted under D/S and are present in the United States on September 15, 2026.

Key changes include:

• Fixed-date admission: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will put Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94, and this period of stay in the U.S. will be limited to the Program End Date on your I-20, not to exceed 4 years plus a 30-day grace period.
• Extension of Stay (EOS): Students who need more time to complete their program, start a new program, or apply for post-completion OPT may need to file an EOS application with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with fees and biometric before their AUD expires. Stricter standards could be applied. Students with a valid visa may choose to reenter the U.S. instead.
• 24-month ESL limit: ESL study will be limited to a lifetime maximum of 24 months, including vacations, illness, and emergencies.
• Restrictions on transfers and changes in “educational objectives”: Students below the graduate level may change their majors, educational levels, or transfer schools only after their first year of study.
• No lateral or reverse admissions: F-1 students can only continue their studies at a higher educational level after completing a program. Degrees earned before September 15, 2026 do not count.

Attend the virtual information session to learn more about the new F-1 rule.

Tentative topics may include: 1) reminders, 2) current vs. new rule, 3) anticipated Extension of Stay (EOS) processes and potentially stricter standards, 4) transition provisions, 5) common scenarios and questions, and 6) resources. There will be no live Q&A session.  Session hours are set as such to encourage students who are currently outside of the U.S. to be able to participate.

1. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm (Pacific Time) via Zoom
2. Thursday, September 3,  2026, from 8:00am to 9:00am (Pacific Time) via Zoom

Sign-up for the information session to receive the meeting link. Also submit ONE most important question (or concern) you have about the new F-1 rule. There is no guarantee that all submitted questions are addressed during the seminar, but IE will prepare some resources accordingly.