Elimination of “Duration of Status” (D/S) Final Rule
WELCOME
Welcome to MIT’s central resource for MIT’s international students and scholars regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to eliminate the “duration of status” policy and implement additional academic program limitations for both F and J nonimmigrant statuses (including F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2) and International Media (“I”) status.
ATTENTION: While DHS’ Final Rule on this matter was published on July 17, 2026, the rule WILL NOT take effect until September 15, 2026.
The Final Rule ends the policy known as “Duration of Status (D/S)” for individuals in F (F-1/F-2), J (J-1/J-2), and I (International Media) nonimmigrant statuses, and amends the regulations to change the admission periods from “Duration of Status (D/S)” to a fixed time period. The Final Rule also includes additional limitations and extension requirements.
IMPORTANT: The Final Rule does not apply to any other U.S. nonimmigrant or immigrant status.
Even with the publication of the Final Rule, additional information will be released in the coming weeks, and U.S. government agencies are expected to provide a full sense of both the impact and implementation procedures. As new information becomes available, we will continue to update this page accordingly.
TIP: Members of the MIT community are encouraged to bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest updates.
Thank you for your patience as we work to provide the MIT international community with timely and accurate information.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Final Rule: 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 [Federal Register, 2026-14439 (91 FR 44976) – July 17, 2026]
MIT Summary of Final Rule – 07/24/2026
This document was sent via email to all MIT international students and scholars and shared with the greater MIT community on July 24, 2026.
This summary provides an overview of what is known to date of the Final Rule as provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as of this date, and confirms the current implementation as of the effective date of September 15, 2026.
Please read the FULL SUMMARY here.
Overview of Major Changes Impacting International Students and Scholars in F and J Visa Status:
*Fixed Period of Admission instead of Duration of Status (D/S)
*Extensions of Stay for Students and Scholars in F and J Status beyond the initial authorized period of stay will require filing an Extension of Stay (Form I-539) application with a fee to USCIS or departing the U.S. and re-entering with a new Extension Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
*Limitations on the Change of Educational Level for F Students
*Limitations on Change of Major/Program of Study for F and J Students (different policy changes for Undergraduate and Graduate students)
*Transfer of Schools for F and J Students (different policy changes for Undergraduate and Graduate students)
*Overview of the “Immediate Impact” of the Final Rule in advance of implementation and for F and J visa holders already inside the U.S. versus those entering the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026.
*Transition Period for F and J visa holders admitted for Duration of Status (D/S)
*Applying for Entry Visas at U.S. Embassies/Consulates Abroad
Upcoming Webinars/Town Halls on the Final Rule:
*Thursday, July 30, 11:00 am-12:00 pm Eastern U.S. Time (details/Zoom link to follow)
Please be sure to read the full MIT Summary available here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
MIT COMMUNICATIONS
- July 24, 2026: MIT Summary of USDHS Final Rule Eliminating D/S for F and J Statuses
- July 17, 2026: Final Rule Ending “Duration Of Status” Policy for F and J Nonimmigrant Statuses
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Disclaimer: This webpage is only for the MIT community. Individuals with questions should first review the information on this page. Members of the MIT Community with additional questions may contact:
- International Students Office (ISO): iso-help@mit.edu
- International Scholars Office (ISchO): ischo@mit.edu
