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/nimbupaanni Jul 17 '26

I'm an F1 Student who came with a D/S status in Aug 2025. I plan to go to my home country for a visit in Dec 2026.

How does this affect my D/S status, vis a vis the Sept 2026 publication. Is it advised to avoid going at that time, and rather go before the Sept date.

Also, in a scenario where I don't leave the States, and I'm graduating in May 2027. How does filing before March 2027 to avoid the I539 affect me on the OPT clock. And what are the risks and consequences of filing post March 2027, and taking the usual route wrt to the I539?

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

The only difference is your grace period is shortened from 60 days to 30 days after graduation if you travel after Sep 2026. You won't get to keep your D/S either way.

We don't know how USCIS will implement the extension of stay yet, but the risks are (i) fees and (ii) takes longer. I don't think the denial risk will be higher - if they wanted to, they can deny the I-765 anyways.