The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final rule introducing significant changes to the admission and extension procedures for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain other nonimmigrant categories.
The announcement follows widespread media coverage suggesting that U.S. student visas will be limited to four years. While the reports have raised understandable concerns among prospective and current international students, the new regulation does not impose a universal four-year limit on completing a degree in the United States.
Unless delayed by congressional action or judicial review, the regulation is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
DHS Final Rule
Overview of the Final Rule
Under the current system, most F-1 students receive an I-94 admission record marked "D/S" (Duration of Status), allowing them to remain in the United States for as long as they maintain lawful student status.
Under the new regulation, the I-94 will instead include a specific expiration date.
Students may still be admitted through the program completion date listed on their Form I-20. However, the initial period of admission will generally be limited to a maximum of four years.
Students enrolled in academic programs exceeding four years—such as many five-year undergraduate programs or doctoral programs—will be required to obtain an updated Form I-20 from their institution and apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of stay before their authorized admission period expires.
Accordingly, the regulation does not shorten the length of academic programs. Rather, it introduces an additional immigration procedure requiring students to monitor the expiration of their authorized stay and submit extension applications when necessary.
Implications for Current Students
Students who are lawfully maintaining F-1 status in the United States on September 15, 2026, and whose I-94 currently reflects D/S, will be subject to transition provisions.
The four-year period will not be calculated retroactively from the date a student's visa was issued. Students currently in the third or fourth year of their academic program will not automatically lose their remaining period of authorized stay.
In general, eligible students may remain in the United States until whichever occurs first:
- The program end date shown on the current Form I-20; or
- Four years after September 15, 2026.
Students departing the United States after the rule takes effect and seeking re-entry may receive a newly issued I-94 containing a specific expiration date.
Students planning international travel are encouraged to consult their institution's Designated School Official (DSO) before departure to confirm how the new admission procedures may affect their individual circumstances.
Transfers and Changes of Academic Program
The final rule also introduces additional limitations regarding academic transfers and changes in educational objectives.
For undergraduate students, transfers or changes in academic programs may generally be restricted until completion of the first academic year at the institution that issued the original Form I-20.
Graduate students may face stricter standards when changing academic objectives or transferring to another institution.
The regulation further limits beginning another academic program at the same or a lower educational level after completion of a degree.
For example, progressing from a master's program to a doctoral program generally remains permissible, while beginning a second master's program or returning to a bachelor's program after completing a master's degree may become significantly more restrictive.
Students considering a transfer or change of program are encouraged to consult directly with their DSO rather than relying solely on general information published by their institution.
OPT and Post-Graduation Employment
The publication of the final rule has also led to questions regarding Optional Practical Training (OPT).
The regulation does not eliminate either standard OPT or the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The H-1B cap-gap provision likewise remains unchanged.
However, students whose authorized stay expires upon completion of their academic program may, in certain circumstances, be required to file an Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539) in addition to the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) associated with OPT.
Because this may introduce additional procedural requirements, students graduating in late 2026 or during 2027 are encouraged to work closely with their international student office well in advance of graduation.
Particular attention should be given to:
- Whether Form I-539 will be required together with the OPT application;
- The expiration date reflected on the student's I-94;
- Whether an extension of stay must be approved before OPT begins; and
- Whether the student qualifies for transition provisions applicable to existing D/S admissions.
While OPT remains available, additional planning and documentation may be required under the new regulatory framework.
Leave of Absence and Military Service
Students remaining outside the United States for more than five months, including those taking an extended leave of absence or completing mandatory military service, may no longer be able to return using their existing SEVIS record.
For many Korean students completing compulsory military service, a new Form I-20 and a new SEVIS record may be required before returning to their institution.
This requirement relates to immigration procedures and does not necessarily affect a student's academic enrollment.
Before departing the United States, students are encouraged to confirm with their institution:
- Whether they may return following military service or an extended leave;
- Whether their academic status and earned credits will remain active;
- Whether a new Form I-20 will be required;
- Whether a new SEVIS fee must be paid; and
- Whether their existing F-1 visa may still be used for re-entry.
Key Considerations
Students currently enrolled at U.S. institutions are encouraged to review several important items in the coming months.
These include confirming whether their I-94 reflects D/S or a specific expiration date, ensuring that the Program End Date on their Form I-20 accurately reflects their expected graduation timeline, and consulting their DSO before international travel, transferring institutions, changing academic programs, taking a leave of absence, or applying for OPT after September 15, 2026.
Looking Ahead
The final rule does not require current international students to reconsider their academic plans in the United States, nor does it mean that students maintaining lawful F-1 status will suddenly lose their immigration status.
The most significant change is procedural rather than substantive.
Where maintaining status previously relied primarily on the institution's administration of the Form I-20 and SEVIS record, students will now be expected to monitor the validity of their I-94 admission period and complete any necessary extension procedures in a timely manner.
Universities across the United States are currently reviewing the final regulation and preparing institution-specific guidance. Students are encouraged to monitor official communications from their international student offices for further updates.
Related Resources
DHS Final Rule
Official PDF (U.S. Government Publishing Office)
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-17/pdf/2026-14439.pdf
CBP I-94 Official Website
NAFSA Analysis of the Final Rule
https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/dhs-final-rule-ending-duration-status
BHA Parents Lounge (Detailed Korean Guide)
https://parents.bha-alumni.org/post.php?id=57
This article is based on the final rule published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and guidance available as of July 18, 2026. The implementation schedule and specific procedures remain subject to congressional action, judicial review, and any subsequent guidance issued by the U.S. government.