US F-1 Student Visa Rules 2026: The End of Duration of Status (D/S)

If you are an F-1 student in the United States — or planning to study there from Nepal — one of the most significant immigration changes in years took effect on 15 September 2026. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ended the long-standing “Duration of Status” system and replaced it with a fixed admission period. This guide explains, in plain terms, what changed, who is affected, and what Nepali students should check now.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) changed how F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are admitted to the United States. Instead of being admitted for “Duration of Status” (D/S), students entering under the new system receive a specific date through which they are authorized to stay. This is commonly referred to as the Admit Until Date (AUD) and is shown on the Form I-94.

Under the new framework, the authorized admission period is generally based on the length of the academic program, subject to a maximum of four years. If a student needs additional time beyond the authorized period, an Extension of Stay (EOS) may be required through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), generally using Form I-539.

For students admitted under the new fixed-period system, the four-year maximum is counted from the program start date on the Form I-20. The normal 30-day pre-program entry period does not count against the four-year maximum. A shorter academic program will normally result in a shorter admission period.

DHS did not require students who were already in the United States under D/S when the rule took effect to immediately file an EOS. The transition provision acts as a bridge from the old D/S system to the new fixed-date system.

In simple terms: an eligible student already admitted under D/S can generally continue until the program end date that applies under the transition rule, or the four-year transition limit, whichever comes first — unless an event such as international travel moves the student into the fixed-admission system.

For the September 15, 2026 effective date, the four-year transition point falls on September 15, 2030. Students whose programs extend beyond the applicable transition period may need to file an EOS if they require additional F-1 time.

Generally, no. A student who is properly maintaining F-1 status and remains covered by the D/S transition provision does not file Form I-539 simply because the rule became effective. EOS becomes relevant when the student needs authorized F-1 time beyond the period permitted under the transition rules, or when the student becomes subject to a fixed Admit Until Date.

DHS created temporary transition relief for certain students who were already in D/S. A qualifying student who timely files for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT within the transition window — identified in DHS guidance as March 18, 2027 — does not need to submit a separate EOS application for that filing, provided the student remains eligible for the transition benefit.

A student who is currently a freshman or sophomore may remain protected by the transition rules while completing the degree, subject to the applicable transition limits. However, if that student applies for post-completion OPT after the temporary OPT transition relief has ended, the new EOS framework may apply.

International travel is one of the most important issues for students relying on the transition provision. An F-1 student who departs the United States and re-enters on or after September 15, 2026 can be admitted under the new fixed-period system and receive a new I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date.

Under the new framework, an EOS may generally be filed up to 180 days before the student’s authorized admission period expires. The student normally needs an updated Form I-20 from the DSO and must file the required Form I-539 with USCIS before the applicable deadline.

• Examples can include needing additional time to complete a degree, dissertation or research.
• EOS may also become relevant for OPT or STEM OPT when the student’s authorized admission period does not cover the requested F-1 activity and no transition exception applies.
• Do not wait until the last moment, because USCIS processing time can affect planning.

For students under the new fixed-admission framework, the post-completion departure period is 30 days, and the Admit Until Date can include this period. Transition cases may be treated differently depending on the specific provision that applies, so students should verify their individual status with their DSO rather than applying a single grace-period figure mechanically to every existing D/S student.

The final rule also places tighter limits on some academic changes. Undergraduate students face restrictions on transferring or changing educational objectives during the first academic year, subject to limited exceptions. Graduate students face stricter limitations on transfers and changes of educational objective during a program. The rule also restricts pursuing another F-1 program at the same or a lower educational level.

An F-2 dependent’s authorized stay remains tied to the principal F-1 student’s status. If the principal student needs to file an EOS, dependent family members may also need the appropriate extension filing. A dependent should not assume that a later date appearing on their own I-94 allows them to remain after the principal student’s authorized stay ends.

• Form I-94 — especially the class of admission and Admit Until Date.
• Form I-20 — program start and program end dates.
• Passport validity — a shorter passport validity can affect admission in some circumstances.
• Travel plans — particularly if you currently rely on the D/S transition provision.
• Graduation and OPT timeline — including whether an EOS will be required.
• Any planned transfer, change of major, new degree or program extension.

Rules like this can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate them alone. As Nepal’s first AIRC-certified and ICEF-screened education consultancy, Edwise Foundation has guided Nepali students to the USA since 2005. We help you understand your I-94 and I-20 dates, plan your OPT and STEM OPT for Nepali students timeline, and work with your university’s DSO so nothing is missed. With a 96% acceptance rate and 7,000+ students placed, our team keeps you informed as the rules evolve. For the full picture of studying in the USA, requirements and intakes, see our complete guide to study in the USA from Nepal.

• DHS Study in the States — Final Rule FAQ
• DHS Study in the States — Quick Reference
• DHS/ICE Final Rule — Federal Register
• USCIS — Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
• CBP — Form I-94