Sets a date-certain end date for all new F and J admissions after September 15, 2026: generally the shorter of four years or the expected length of the academic program.
Allows existing F and J’s students in the U.S. on the effective date an admission to retain their current I-20 or DS-2019 end date, up to a maximum of four years in the future – November 17, 2030 (as long as they remain in the U.S.; students readmitted to the U.S. after travel abroad will receive an admit until date).
F and J students will need to apply for extensions by filing an I-539 form (currently a $420 online filing fee) with USCIS if additional time is needed for an academic program. This process will also include an updated extended I-20 form or DS-2019 form from the DSO or ARO. Students applying for an extension should “be able to demonstrate a compelling academic reason, documented illness or medical condition or circumstances beyond their control”. Alternatively, extensions can be processed through CBP, requiring travel and re-entry with an updated I-20 or DS-2019 form (although admission through this method is not guaranteed).
Restricts undergraduates from transferring institutions or academic programs in the first year of study.
Restricts graduate students from changing their academic programs or transferring institutions.
Prohibits moving to a new degree at the same or lower level after completion of a degree.
Reduces grace period to 30 days to remain in the U.S. after program completion.
Requires filing an extension with USCIS those applying for OPT or STEM OPT. F-1s currently in the US and filing for OPT within 6 months of the effective date of the rule will not need to file a USCIS extension application.
Limits ESL students to a 24-month period of stay. Allows current ESL students who have already completed 24 months to remain through their I-20 program end date before needing to file for an extension.
Resources Related to the End of D/S
- Final Rule
- Study in the States (DHS Website)
- International Student Resource Center
- NAFSA
- Brookings Institute Article
