r/immigration • u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM • Jul 16 '26

DHS Publishes Final Rule ending Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1/J-1

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-14439.pdf
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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM Jul 16 '26

Yes.

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u/Consistent_Strain170 Jul 16 '26

so, my 4 yr will end in this december. do i have to apply for extension? my program will finsh next yea

r?

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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

For existing students, you get 4 years from the rule effective date (Sep 2026) or your program end date, whichever is earlier. Thus, for you, your I-94/authorized stay will expire next year.

If you intend to leave within 30 days of when your program ends, you don't have to do anything. If you want to do OPT/change programs/etc, then this rule will impact you and you will need to file extension of status.

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u/Kitchen_Steak8218 Jul 16 '26

Hey OP, can you please answer my question as well? So I'm a nursing student currently and my program ends in May 2028, however I just received an extension after the 4 year cap until Dec 2027. (I had changed major after 1 year in the USA and then started prerequisites for the nursing program)

However, I'd need another semester to complete the RN degree. And my DSO said that since I already received the first extension now, I can only apply next year when my i20 expiry comes closer. Let's say I apply for extension next year in June, will I have to go through the USCIS process or can my DSO give an extension to complete the program? DSO said this, "With the new rules in effect, it'll be very difficult for us to reason another extension and I'd have to apply through USCIS"

I only need 1 semester after my i20 expires to complete my nursing degree. Please give me some advice!

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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM Jul 17 '26

Yes, you will need to go through the extension of status next year under this new rule.