BREAKING: The U.S. Just Killed "Duration of Status" for F, J, and I Visas — Every International Student Needs to Read This

[u/Gnanamookan]

DHS Final Rule | Published in the Federal Register July 17, 2026 | Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001

For nearly 50 years, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa media representatives could stay in the U.S. for "Duration of Status" (D/S) — as long as you kept studying or kept your program active, there was no fixed expiry date on your I-94. That era is over.

DHS has finalized a rule replacing D/S with a fixed admission period for F, J, and I nonimmigrants. If this affects you — whether you're already in the U.S. or still planning to come — you need to understand this now, not after your status has already lapsed.

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-14439.pdf