F-1 Visa Rule 2026
If you’re an international student in the United States, there’s one immigration document you probably haven’t thought much about until now: your I-94 arrival record.
That changes on September 15, 2026, when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) replaces the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) system with fixed admission periods for F-1 and J-1 students. Instead of remaining in the country for as long as you maintain your student status, you’ll now receive an admission period with a specific end date. Once that date arrives, your legal stay depends on timely extensions or other approved immigration actions.
For students, this isn’t just another policy update. It changes how you plan your studies, travel, internships, and even graduation.
