Important Changes to the F-1 and J-1 Visa Regulations (2026)

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced important changes to certain regulations governing F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visitor visas.

The Final Rule will become effective 60 calendar days after its publication on July 17, 2026.

These regulatory changes may affect international students planning to study in the United States, including students applying from Nepal and other countries.

Edwise Foundation is closely monitoring these developments and will continue to provide updates as additional guidance becomes available.

Main Changes

1. End of Duration of Status (D/S) Admission

Beginning on the effective date of the Final Rule, DHS will no longer admit new F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors to the United States under Duration of Status (D/S), which currently allows an open-ended period of stay based on maintaining valid immigration status.

Instead, eligible F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants will generally be admitted for a fixed period of stay with a specific admission end date.

The proposed admission periods are:

• Undergraduate and graduate students: Up to 4 years, or until the program end date listed on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, whichever comes first.
• English Language Program (ELP) students: Up to 24 months, or until the program end date listed on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, whichever comes first.
• J-1 scholars: Up to 4 years, or until the program end date listed on Form DS-2019, whichever comes first.

Receiving a fixed period of admission does not necessarily mean that students or scholars must leave the United States when that period ends.

Students or scholars who require additional time to complete their academic program or exchange activity may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of stay by filing Form I-539, subject to eligibility and USCIS approval.

2. Legacy D/S Admissions

Students and scholars who are already in the United States under a Duration of Status (D/S) admission on the effective date of the Final Rule will generally retain their existing D/S admission for a maximum of four years, unless they depart the United States after the rule takes effect.

If these individuals later travel outside the United States and re-enter in F-1 or J-1 status, they will generally receive admission under the new fixed period of stay with a specific admission end date.

3. Additional Changes

The DHS Final Rule also introduces several additional changes that may affect international students studying in the United States, including:

• Undergraduate students generally will not be permitted to change their major or transfer to another school during their first academic year without DHS authorization.
• Graduate students generally will not be permitted to change their major or transfer to another school after beginning their graduate program.
• The current 60-day grace period following program completion for F-1 students will be reduced to 30 days.
• After completing their current academic program, students may enroll in another program at a higher educational level, but generally not at the same or a lower educational level.
• Beginning six months after publication of the Final Rule, F-1 students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT will generally be required to submit two separate applications to USCIS:
  • Form I-539 to request an extension of F-1 status.
  • Form I-765 to request employment authorization.

Why This Matters for International Students

These regulatory changes may influence U.S. study planning, student visa compliance, academic progression, travel, and future applications for OPT, STEM OPT, or extensions of stay. Students should remain informed and work closely with their designated school officials (DSOs), sponsoring institutions, or qualified immigration professionals to understand how the new regulations apply to their individual circumstances.

If you are a Nepali student planning to study in the United States, explore our complete guide to studying in the USA from Nepal and connect with our experienced counselors for personalized guidance.

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Disclaimer

This summary is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. U.S. immigration regulations are complex and individual circumstances may vary. Students and exchange visitors should consult their Designated School Official (DSO), Responsible Officer (RO), sponsoring institution, qualified immigration attorney, or the appropriate U.S. government agency for guidance regarding their specific situation.

References

1. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2026). Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media. Final Rule.
2. Federal Register. Final Rule Published July 17, 2026.
3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Form I-539 – Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
4. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization.