Information on the Elimination of Duration of Status

Updated: July 17, 2026

DHS Elimination of Duration of Status

The rule takes effect on September 15, 2026. Students already in Active status as of September 15 will not immediately be switched to fixed status, they will continue on duration of status until their program end, date, or September 15, 2030, whichever comes first.

There is a six-month transition period (September 15, 2026-March 15-2027)

Key Changes

  • Change from unspecified “Duration of Status (D/S)” to documented end date:
    International students can currently remain in the U.S. for as long as it takes to complete their degree program, provided they maintain good academic standing and show they are making degree progress. The new rules limit students to a fixed period capped at 4 years, or the advertised length of their program—whichever is shorter.
  • New federal approval, costs, and criteria for extensions:
    Currently, Designated School Officials (DSOs) are authorized to extend students’ program of study directly in SEVIS. After September 15, the DSO will no longer be able to extend an I-20. Program extensions would require students to apply directly to USCIS, pay fees, and complete additional review (including biometrics), rather than being processed solely by the university. Given current USCIS backlogs, delays are likely to occur.
  • Reduced flexibility for academic decisions:
    • Undergraduate students will be restricted from transferring or changing programs in their first year.
    • Graduate students will be prohibited from changing programs or institutions altogether.
    • Students must progress to higher degree levels, they may not get a second masters or second bachelors
  • Shorter grace period:
    The time international students can stay in the U.S. after finishing their program or authorized practical training may be shortened—from 60 days to 30 days.

Immediate Impacts

  • There is a grace period of six months in which students who apply for OPT or STEM OPT will NOT file have to file Form I-539.
    • The OPT application window for May 2027 graduates can apply for OPT starting on Feb 6, 2026
    • May 2027 graduates are strongly encouraged to file as soon as possible so they can submit their application before the end of the transition period on March 15, 2027 so they won’t have to file the additional I-539 Form.
  • Students who travel outside the US and return before September 15 will still be admitted for Duration of Status, but anyone entering the US after that date will be admitted until the program end date listed on their I-20

This new rule is confusing; we do not know about issues such as premium processing or dependents. We expect to have more clarification from DHS in the coming weeks.

We also expect that there will be legal challenges to this ruling.

We understand that this can be very disruptive and will do everything we can to support you. We will keep you updated as we get more information. We thank you for patience as we respond to the large number of inquiries we’ve received.

For more information:

Study in the States

Cyrus D. Metha & Partners, PLLC Blog

Furong Huang’s Elimination of D/S Summary

International Student Resource Center’s Review of the Final Rule