DHS Rule Sets Fixed Four-Year Limits for F‑1 Student and J‑1 Exchange Visas

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule on July 17 2026 that will take effect on September 15 2026. The rule replaces the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) framework for F‑1 academic students and J‑1 exchange visitors with a fixed admission period, generally capped at four years and tied to the program end date on Form I‑20 or DS‑2019. A separate extension‑of‑stay (EOS) filing with USCIS will be required for any additional time, and the post‑completion grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

Employers must now monitor Form I‑94 expiration dates and file timely EOS applications for affected employees. Universities and colleges will need to adjust compliance practices, and current students abroad are advised to return before the September 15 deadline to retain the old D/S benefits. The change has drawn criticism from groups such as the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies, which warn that the four‑year cap could force research scholars and PhD students to leave mid‑program, harming U.S. innovation. Legal analysts note potential impacts on international student‑athletes, whose NCAA eligibility often extends beyond four years, requiring closer coordination of immigration timelines. Institutions are preparing transitional guidance, while some stakeholders anticipate possible litigation or congressional review that could delay parts of the rule.