Duration of Status (“D/S”) Ends September 15, 2026. Here's What Will Change If You're on an F-1/ J-1.
For as long as most people can remember (since the late 1970s), when you entered in F-1 or J-1 status, your I-94 just said "D/S", or, “Duration of Status”, because academic and exchange programs don't run on fixed calendars the way a six-month business trip does. This meant that as long as you stayed enrolled and in good standing, there was no expiration date ticking down. That ends on September 15, 2026.
The new rule brings F/J/I statuses in line with how most nonimmigrant categories have always worked, by requiring a defined end date, with a formal renewal process (Form I-539) if you need more time.
What's Actually Being Changed
Starting September 15, 2026, DHS is replacing D/S with a fixed "Admit Until Date" printed right on your Form I-94. Generally, that date will be the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019, or four years from your admission, whichever comes first, plus a grace period. That grace period is also changing, from 60 days down to 30, which may affect your timeline for departure, transferring schools, changing status, and OPT.
The most important thing to keep in mind here is that under the new fixed-date system, staying past that date can mean that you begin accruing unlawful presence, which can be detrimental when you want to change status, or if you leave and intend to eventually return. Previously, when students were issued I-94s with D/S, overstaying didn't automatically put you "out of status" — that generally required someone from the government looking into your status, specifically, and finding that you were “out of status”. It is important that you know your actual end date, and do not stay beyond that 30 day grace period without changing status.
Who Is and Isn't Affected
Impacted → New admissions: If you're admitted to the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 in F-1, J-1, or I status, you'll get a fixed admit-until date from day one.
Not immediately impacted → Students currently in the US: If you're already here on D/S right now, you are not automatically switched over. However, if you travel internationally and re-enter, file an extension of stay, or reach the deadline (November 14, 2030 for F-1 students, October 15, 2030 for J-1 exchange visitors). So if you're mid-program right now, there's no need to panic about tomorrow, but you do need to know this is coming and plan ahead as far as future travel/extended stay in the US are concerned.
TLDR
After September 15, 2026, check your I-94 every time you re-enter the U.S. and know your Admit Until Date. Please don't assume it still says D/S.
If your program will run past your program end date or the four-year cap, plan to file the Form I-539 extension of stay with USCIS well before that date, not after. Filed on time, it can let you keep studying, working on-campus, and continuing CPT for up to 240 days while it's pending.
If you're currently on D/S, note your transition deadline (Nov 14, 2030 for F-1; Oct 15, 2030 for J-1) and talk to your DSO or program sponsor before any international travel — re-entering is one of the events that moves you onto the new fixed-date system.
This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please consult a licensed immigration attorney.
