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Due to recently announced federal immigration rule changes affecting international students and visiting scholars in the United States, immigration information on this website is subject to change. The new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026. Ohio State is reviewing the changes and will update this website as additional information becomes available.

Final Rule FAQs

The Office of International Affairs anticipates more information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding specific application procedures and form changes in the coming weeks and months. This website will continue to be updated with additional guidance and resources as new information becomes available.

What is “Duration of Status?”

  • For over 30 years, the Department of Homeland Security’s “duration of status” rule has allowed individuals on F and J visas to remain in the United States as long as necessary to complete their academic program, practical training or research activity provided they continue to meet all immigration requirements.  The F and J visa categories include:
    • F-1 students and F-2 dependents
    • J-1 exchange visitors (students and scholars) and J-2 dependents

Individuals admitted under duration of status have an I-94 record indicating “D/S” as the admit-until date, meaning they may remain in the United States as long as they maintain valid immigration status and comply with the terms of their program, as documented on Form I-20 (for F status) or DS-2019 (for J status). 

The final rule eliminated duration of status and now there is a fixed period of time in which F and J visa holders can remain in the United States.

What is a “fixed admission date”/ “Admit Until Date?”

  • All students who enter the United States on or after the effective date of September 15, 2026 will have a maximum of four years or the length of the program (based on the program end date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019), whichever is shorter. The Admit Until Date (AUD) will be listed on the I-94. This "Admit Until Date" (AUD) will be limited to the program end date noted on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed four years, plus a period of 30 days following their program end date.

When will this new change become effective?

  • Sixty days from when it was published in the federal register – September 15, 2026 – unless delayed by litigation or congressional review.

Will there be a transition period?

  • If students are physically present in the United States on September 15, 2026 and have been previously admitted under duration of status, they can remain in the United States without applying for an extension of stay (EOS) until the end date listed on their current I-20 (including post completion OPT or STEM OPT if currently authorized) or DS-2019, not to exceed November 14, 2030 (four years from the implementation date, plus the 60-day grace period) for F-1s and October 15, 2030 for J-1s (four years from the implementation date, plus the 30-day grace period). If a student’s program requires additional time beyond October/November 2030, students will need to apply for an EOS with USCIS. Students will not remain under the transition period if they depart and re-enter the United States after the effective date of September 15.
  • If students are currently in the United States and will be filing an OPT application within six months of the effective date of the rule (by March 18, 2027), students will not be required to apply for an EOS in addition to their I-765.

Where can I access my I-94?

  • Students can access their I-94 here. Students should check their I-94 after every entry into the United States to verify that the information is correct. The “admit until date” (AUD) should be their program end date (up to four years) plus a 30-day grace period) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) end date plus a 30-day grace period.
  • If students apply for an EOS with USCIS, they will receive an I-797 receipt notice with a new I-94 on the bottom of the form.

What else is included in the new rule?

  • Shortens the grace period from 60 days to 30 days for F-1 students to remain in the United States after they complete their academic program.
  • Undergraduates must attend the school listed on their U.S. visa and will not be permitted to transfer within the first academic year, unless approved for an exception from SEVP, which is rare and granted on a case-by-case basis.
  • Graduate students must graduate with the major that is listed on their initial I-20 and will not be permitted to change programs at any point, unless approved for an exception from SEVP, which is rare and granted on a case-by-case basis.
  • After completing a degree program in the United States after September 15, 2026, students are no longer permitted to pursue a degree at the same or lower level 
  • (e.g. if students completed a master’s degree, they cannot pursue a second master’s degree; if students completed a PhD, they cannot pursue a master’s degree, etc.).
  • American Language Program students will have a two-year program limit.

What if I need more time to complete my program?

Will I need to apply for an EOS along with my OPT or STEM OPT application?

  • Yes. These applications can be filed concurrently but will require two separate filing fees. Students cannot begin employment on OPT until both their EOS and EAD have been approved for OPT. STEM extensions will still receive the 180-day automatic extension upon filing the I-765 with USCIS.

Will I need to apply for an extension of status if I do a change of level at Ohio State or transfer to a new school to start a new degree program?

  • Yes

5. What happens if my I-94 expires?

  • Remaining in the United States after your authorized period of admission expires may result in:
  • Loss of lawful status and accrual of unlawful presence 
  • Loss of employment authorization 
  • Difficulty obtaining future visas 
  • Possible removal proceedings 
  • Problems returning to the United States 

It is absolutely essential that students are aware and keep track of their program end date, employment authorization end date (if applicable) and their admit until date.

What if I have questions specific to my individual circumstances?

  • The Office of International Affairs anticipates more information from DHS regarding specific application procedures and form changes in the coming weeks and months. This website will continue to be updated with additional guidance and resources as new information becomes available. Students may schedule an appointment to meet with in immigration specialist or email iss@osu.edu.

Quick facts and FAQs about the new rule, including the application of the transition period, are available on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s Study in the States website.