On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that changes how F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents are admitted to the United States. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
UCF Global is currently reviewing the regulation in detail and monitoring additional guidance from different federal agencies. Because this rule introduces significant changes to existing immigration procedures, additional implementation guidance is expected before the effective date.
This page provides a summary of the changes that may affect international students and exchange visitors at the University of Central Florida. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Key Changes
1. Changes Affecting Academic Mobility
The final rule introduces new requirements affecting certain academic mobility activities for F-1 students. Students who seek to change their educational objectives, transfer between programs, or pursue additional academic programs may be subject to additional requirements under the new rule.
These changes include:
- Students below the graduate level are required to complete their first academic year of study at the school that initially issued their Form I-20 before changing educational objectives or transferring schools.
- At the graduate level, the rule does not allow changes of educational objectives during a student’s program of study. A school transfer may be permitted if SEVP authorizes an exception based on extenuating circumstances before the transfer occurs.
- F-1 students who complete a program after September 15, 2026, will face limitations on beginning another program at the same or a lower educational level.
2. Elimination of Duration of Status (D/S)
Under the current system, F-1 and J-1 students and exchange visitors are admitted to the United States for “Duration of Status” (D/S), allowing them to remain in the United States while maintaining their immigration status and making normal progress toward their program objectives.
The final rule eliminates D/S admission and replaces it with a fixed period of admission established under federal regulations.
3. Fixed-Date Admission
Under the new rule, F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants will no longer be admitted for Duration of Status. Instead, their authorized period of stay will be associated with a specific end date reflected on the Form I-94 “Admit Until Date” (AUD).
Students and scholars will be responsible for monitoring their authorized period of stay and taking appropriate action before their admission period expires.
4. Four-Year Limit on Admission Period
The final rule establishes a maximum admission period of four years for most F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants. Individuals who require additional time beyond their initial admission period may need to request an extension of stay through the appropriate federal process.
The final rule also reduces the F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 days to 30 days. Additional details regarding exceptions, eligibility criteria, and implementation procedures are expected through future DHS guidance.
5. Extension of Stay Process
The final rule establishes a new extension of stay process for individuals who require additional time beyond their authorized admission period.
Students and scholars will need to request approval from USCIS rather than relying solely on the current program of study issued document extension process.
Additional information regarding procedures, timelines, and responsibilities will be provided once government agencies issue further implementation guidance.
Transition for Current Students and Scholars
DHS has indicated that individuals who are maintaining F-1 or J-1 status at the time the final rule takes effect will transition to a fixed admission period based on their existing Form I-20/DS-2019, or the maximum period established under the new rule, whichever is shorter.
For individuals who enter or re-enter the United States on or after September 15, 2026, the Form I-94 issued at admission will reflect the applicable Admit Until Date under the new rule.
DHS has also indicated that existing Forms I-94 will not automatically update until an individual departs and is subsequently readmitted to the United States.
UCF Global recognizes that this regulation represents one of the most significant changes to F-1 and J-1 immigration procedures in many years. We are actively reviewing the rule and coordinating with federal agencies and professional organizations to better understand implementation requirements.
We will be updated as additional federal guidance becomes available.
If you have questions regarding your individual circumstances, please contact UCF Global.
For this and other updates, visit the ISSS News and Updates page.