For decades, many F-1 students were admitted for Duration of Status, shown as D/S on Form I-94. This meant the expiration date on the visa stamp did not determine how long a student could remain inside the United States. A student who maintained F-1 status and kept a valid Form I-20 could generally continue studying and participate in properly authorized CPT or OPT even after the visa stamp expired.
DHS’s final rule published July 17, 2026 replaces that framework with fixed admission periods. A newly admitted F-1 student will receive a specific expiration date on the I-94. The period will be based on the program length listed on the I-20, subject to a maximum admission period of four years. This does not mean every student automatically receives four years.
When the academic program, OPT, or STEM OPT requires time beyond the I-94 expiration date, the student may need to file Form I-539 with USCIS for an Extension of Stay. A timely applicant may continue a full course of study while the request is pending, although continued employment depends on the applicable employment-authorization rules and filing timing.
Students already maintaining F-1 status under D/S on the effective date receive transition protection. They may generally remain until the program end date on the current I-20 or four years after the effective date, whichever occurs first. An Extension of Stay is required to remain beyond that point.
The rule also reduces the F-1 post-completion departure period from 60 days to 30 days, imposes stricter limits on school and educational-objective changes, and creates greater unlawful-presence risk when a student remains beyond a fixed expiration date.
The rule is currently scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026. Because it is a major rule subject to congressional review, DHS may publish a different effective date. Students should continue following current requirements and consult their DSO before taking action.
Source: DHS Final Rule, Federal Register Document 2026-14439.
