The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially published a final rule that introduces some of the most significant changes to U.S. international student and scholar regulations in decades. We want to reassure you first and foremost: You do not need to take immediate action today. The government has established a 60-day implementation period, meaning these changes will not officially go into effect until September 15, 2026. Furthermore, DHS has outlined transition guidelines for those currently in the U.S. under "Duration of Status" (D/S). The International Services Office (ISO) is prepared, and we are here to guide you through this transition.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the major changes and the critical steps you must take to protect your legal status.
- 1. Starting September 15, 2026, Your I-94 Will Have a Fixed Expiration Date
In the past, your Form I-94 listed "D/S" (Duration of Status), allowing you to remain in the U.S. as long as you were actively enrolled and maintaining your status. This will change starting September 15, 2026.
- Your I-94 will carry a fixed expiration date tied to the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum of four (4) years.
- Once that fixed date passes, you are no longer in lawful status even if you are still actively enrolled in classes.
Visit the official CBP portal at cbp.dhs.gov/I94 on or after September 15, 2026 to retrieve your I-94, confirm your specific end date, and keep it for your records.
- 2. Starting September 15, 2026, F-1 Visa Grace Period is Shortened to 30 Days (Previously 60)
The timeline to prepare for departure, transfer to a new school, or change your status after completing your program has been cut in half.
- Previous Rule: 60-day grace period.
- New Rule: 30-day grace period.
- You must depart the U.S. or have an active, pending application to change/transfer your status within 30 days of your program completion. Remaining in the U.S. past this 30-day window without a pending application will result in unlawful presence.
- 3. Strict Limitations on Transfers and Major Changes
Starting September 15, 2026, the new rule heavily restricts academic flexibility and movement:
- For Undergraduate F-1 and J-1 Students: You may not transfer to another U.S. institution, change your major, or change your program during your first academic year of study.
- For Graduate F-1 and J-1 Students: You are completely prohibited from transferring schools or changing academic programs/objectives at any point during your graduate studies unless an exception is authorized by SEVP for extenuating circumstances.
- You are no longer permitted to "repeat" an academic level or move backward (e.g., if you complete a Master's degree, you cannot obtain a new F-1 visa or I-20 for a second Master's or a Bachelor's degree). You must progress upward (e.g., to a Doctoral program) to maintain status.
- Note: Exceptions to these rules are expected to be incredibly rare and require direct, rigorous DHS authorization.
- 4. Starting September 15th, 2026 - Program Extensions Must Go Through USCIS
If your academic program requires more time to complete than the date listed on your I-94 (for any reason), the ISO can no longer grant you a standard program extension.
- You are now required to file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) directly with USCIS before your current I-94 expires.
- USCIS processing can take several months. Filing late or failing to file will result in "unlawful presence," which carries severe, long-term consequences (including potential multi-year bars from returning to the U.S.).
- 5. I-539 Extensions
Starting September 15th, 2026, F-1 and J-1 visa international students and scholars who need time beyond their period of admission for whatever reason (e.g., an extension of program, school transfers, moving academic levels, use of post-completion practical training or academic training) would have to timely file a complete Form I-539 extension of stay application with USCIS before their prior admission expires, with fee, biometrics, and possible interview.
Under DHS's final rule ending Duration of Status, F-1 students who apply for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT within the first six months after the rule takes effect – that is, from September 15, 2026 through approximately March 15, 2027 – will be temporarily excused from filing Form I-539 for an extension of status and may submit only Form I-765 for employment authorization; DHS characterizes this as a brief transitional grace period rather than a permanent exemption. Once this six-month window ends, the accommodation expires, and F-1 students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT whose authorized stay does not otherwise cover the requested employment period will be required to file Form I-539 concurrently with Form I-765.
We Are Here to Help!
We recognize that these are sweeping, rigid changes, and it is completely normal to have questions or concerns. The ISO team is fully prepared to support you, review your individual academic timeline, and help you map out a secure path forward. Please reach out to us early. We are here to help you succeed.
How to Connect with ISO:
- Email Us: iso
gwu [dot] edu - Schedule an Appointment: Schedule a one-on-one session with an ISO Advisor
- Weekly Drop-in Advising: Every Tuesday from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.