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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.

International Students

Elimination of Duration of Status: 10 things international students should know

The 2026 Department of Homeland Security Final Rule changes how international students maintain lawful status in the United States. Your immigration status is your responsibility, but the Office of International Affairs is here to help.

1. Your stay in the United States now has an expiration date.

Beginning September 15, 2026, you will no longer be admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S). Instead, your Form I-94 will list a specific date when your authorized stay ends. It is your responsibility to know that expiration date, which is your program end date — up to four years — plus a 30-day grace period.

2. The I-94 is one of your most important immigration documents.

Check your I-94 every time you enter the United States. Make sure your admission category and expiration date are correct and keep a copy for your records.

3. You may need USCIS approval to stay longer.

If your degree program lasts beyond your I-94 expiration date, you will need to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of stay before your authorized stay ends. Simply extending your I-20 or DS-2019 with the Office of International Affairs will no longer be enough. Plan ahead – you can submit your I-539 extension of stay application to USCIS up to 180 days in advance.

4. Academic changes may require advance planning and approval.

Under the new rule, some academic changes are restricted temporarily or completely and may require additional planning.

  • Extending your program or beginning a new program will require additional documentation and USCIS or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) approval.
  • Changing your major or degree level – Undergraduates are not permitted to change their major within the first academic year, and graduate students are never permitted to change their current program without an exception granted by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). 
  • Transferring schools -– Undergraduates are not permitted to transfer within the first academic year, and graduate students are never permitted to transfer without an exception granted by SEVP

Always talk with an immigration specialist at the Office of International Affairs before making academic changes. 

5. Maintaining status is critical.

You must continue to:

  • Maintain full-time enrollment (Unless authorized for a reduced course load).
  • Make normal academic progress.
  • Follow all school and immigration requirements.

Failure to maintain status can have immediate immigration consequences.

6. Your grace period is shorter.

If you enter the United States on or after September 15, 2026, you only have 30 days after completing your academic program or authorized practical training to:

  • Depart the United States
  • Transfer to another school
  • Begin a new academic program
  • Apply for another immigration status, if eligible

7. Travel requires extra preparation.

Before leaving the United States, make sure you have:

  • A valid passport (with an expiration date at least six months into the future)
  • A valid F-1 /J-1 visa (if required) 
  • A current travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 
  • Current financial documents

8. Keep all of your immigration documents.

Maintain copies of your:

  • Passport 
  • Visa 
  • I-94 (This will become your most critical immigration document – know your AUD!) 
  • I-20 or DS-2019 
  • Employment Authorization Document (if applicable) 
  • USCIS notices and approvals

Keeping organized records of your immigration documents can prevent delays and simplify future applications. 

9. Stay in regular contact with the Office of International Affairs.

Contact an immigration specialist before you:

  • Change your major 
  • Add another major or degree 
  • Change your education level 
  • Transfer schools 
  • Delay graduation 
  • Take a leave of absence 
  • Drop below full-time enrollment 
  • Accept employment 
  • Travel internationally 

Early communication can help prevent immigration problems.

10. Missing a deadline could put your immigration status at risk.

Failing to maintain status or allowing your I-94 to expire could result in:

  • Loss of lawful status and accrual of unlawful presence 
  • Difficulty obtaining future visas 
  • Ineligibility for employment benefits  
  • Possible removal proceedings 
  • Challenges returning to the United States 

Remember: Your status is your responsibility

Under the new rule, you'll need to monitor both:

  • Your academic progress toward your degree  
  • Your I-94 expiration date and other immigration deadlines 

The best advice: Plan ahead, stay informed, ask questions early, and work closely with the Office of International Affairs before making any academic or immigration-related changes.

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