Visa Categories

Beginning September 15, 2026, DHS will replace the Duration of Status (D/S) admission framework for F-1 and J-1 students and J-1 scholars with a fixed-period admission for individuals admitted on or after September 15, 2026. Students and exchange visitors admitted to the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, will generally receive an “Admit Until Date” on their Form I-94 tied to the length of their program, not to exceed 4 years. 

If your program is longer than 4 years, you will be required to either file an Extension of Stay (Form I-539) to cover the remainder of your program or depart and re-enter the United States with a new I-94 record. 

Existing transition provisions apply to some individuals already in the U.S. 

Your I-94 will now play a central role in determining how long you are authorized to remain in the U.S.  

AUD stands for Admit Until Date (AUD), and it is found on the I-94. It is the last day a non-immigrant is authorized to stay in the U.S. F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors cannot remain lawfully in the U.S. beyond their AUD and must depart the U.S. or take action to maintain status before their AUD expires. 

In most cases, the Admit Until Date (AUD) will be tied to the program listed on your Form I‑20 or DS‑2019, subject to DHS admission limits. Students and scholars should rely on the date shown on their I‑94 record, even if it differs from the estimated end date of their program documents.  

Note that F-1 students, J-1 students, and J-1 scholars already in the U.S. whose Form I-94 reflects "D/S" (Duration of Status) may not have their I-94 automatically updated unless they travel internationally and reenter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026.  

Under the new rule, F-1 and J-1 students and scholars should:   

1. Check your I-94 expiration date every time you re-enter the U.S. Your I-94 record controls your authorized period of stay.  
2. As of September 15, 2026, file an extension with USCIS (Form I-539) if you need more time in the U.S. than your I-94 allows, or depart and re-enter the U.S. with a new I-94 record. You may need an extension if you will stay in the U.S. past your I-94 end date to:   
   • Complete your academic program  
     • Change education levels (e.g., bachelor's → master’s)   
     • Transfer to another school  
     • Participating in OPT or STEM OPT  
     • Complete Academic Training (for J-1 Students)  
     • Continue your J-1 scholar activities (teaching, research, internship, as applicable)  

If your I-94 date already covers the full length of your studies or training, you may not need an extension. If you already know you will need an extension beyond what is currently listed on your I-20/DS-2019:  

• F-1 and J-1 Students: If an extension is needed and you are eligible, talk with your program director and request a program extension through the International Services Portal before September 15, 2026. The current US Citizenship and Immigration Services processing fee for I-539 (extension application) is $420 online and $470 by mail (check the official USCIS website for any updated fees or filing method). We recommend that you initiate the extension no later than August 15, 2026.   
• J-1 Scholars: If you are eligible for an extension, please contact your department to initiate a J-1 extension to the International Services Portal as soon as possible.   

Your respective campus’s International Office will help you determine when an extension is required. Please note that you may need to request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 from your International Office before filing with USCIS.  

You can still complete your program in the U.S. Please note, however, that the U.S. government has tightened the rules for extensions. Although delays due to academic probation and suspension have always been prohibited, a student's repeated inability to complete coursework will also be an unacceptable reason for a program extension.  

If your I-94 expires before you finish your program, you must either file an extension with USCIS before your I-94 expires or depart and re-enter the US to complete your program.  

Your International Office will guide you through:  

• Understanding your I-94  
• Determining whether an extension is needed  
• Understanding timelines and requirements  

Yes, but not right away. The government has provided transition rules.  

If you stay in the U.S. (no international travel), you can remain under the current "Duration of Status" (D/S) rule for now. You will not need to apply for an extension as long as you:  

1. Complete your program by the end date on your current I-20 or DS-2019, which does not exceed 4 years after the effective date of September 15, 2026.   
2. Apply for your initial post-completion OPT before the transition period ends (on March 18, 2027). Note that you would only need to apply for a formal extension of stay if you are eligible for and apply for a 2-year STEM OPT extension later. Your original grace period to prepare for departure from the US (60 days for F-1) will still apply during this transition.  

Note that if you travel internationally and reenter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, you will immediately switch to the new rules:  

• You will be given a specific expiration date on your I-94 record  
• F-1 students’ post-graduation grace period will drop from 60 to 30 days if you are an F-1 student.   
• The grace period for J-1 students and scholars remains 30 days both before and after this rule change.  

If you re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, you will be admitted with a fixed I-94 end date instead of Duration of Status (D/S). This I-94 end date will determine how long you are authorized to remain in the U.S.  

When you re-enter:  

• Check your I-94 record immediately after arrival.  
• Your I-94 end date may be tied to the program end date on your Form I-20, OPT EAD, STEM OPT EAD, or DS-2019, but will not exceed the maximum 4-year period allowed by DHS.  
• If you will need more time in the U.S. than your I-94 allows, you will need to either file a USCIS extension of stay (Form I-539) before that date or depart and re-enter the U.S. Please note that you may first need to request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 from your International Office before filing an extension with USCIS.  

Requirements for entry into the U.S. remain unchanged, but the I-94 you are issued upon re-entry will now determine the length of your authorized stay. You must check your I-94 immediately after arrival and reach out to your campus’s International Office with questions.  

This rule includes new restrictions on changes to academic programs.  

Key limitations include:   

• Undergraduate students must complete one full academic year at their current school before they are permitted to transfer to another institution or change their educational objective (such as changing majors or educational levels), unless the U.S. government authorizes an exception. We are awaiting further guidance from the government.  
• Graduate-level students: The final rule places new restrictions on transfers and changes in educational objectives. Additional DHS and SEVP guidance regarding implementation is expected. Students considering a transfer, change of major, or change of educational level should consult their International Office before acting.  
• After completing a program, students cannot begin a new program at the same or lower educational level (for example: completing a master’s degree and then beginning a second master’s degree).  

F-1/J-1 students must seek guidance from the International Office on matters of Extension of Stay (EOS), transfer of F-1 sponsorship, or travel and re-entry.  

Under the final rule, some students may need to file an Extension of Stay (Form I‑539) to maintain lawful status beyond the expiration of their current admission period while on OPT or STEM OPT. Students should consult their International Office for guidance based on their individual circumstances. 

Yes. F-2 and J-2 dependents are also subject to the new fixed-date admission system. When a dependent enters the U.S., their I-94 end date will match the principal F-1 or J-1’s authorized stay and will no longer reflect Duration of Status (D/S). 

The current USCIS processing fee for I-539 online is $420, and by mail is $470. Note: This information is accurate as of August 2026 and is subject to change. Look at the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date filing instructions and fees.  

Not all students and scholars will need to file an extension of stay. If your I-94 end date already covers the full length of your program or authorized training, you may not incur additional costs. 

An Extension of Stay (EOS) request may involve:   

• Requesting an updated Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from your International Office, if applicable  
• Filing Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your current I-94 Admit Until Date (AUD) expires  
• Submitting supporting documentation, which may include evidence of financial support and other materials required by USCIS  
• Completing biometrics appointments or other identity-verification requirements, if requested by USCIS  
• Attending an interview, if requested by USCIS   

Processing times and requirements may vary. Additional guidance from your International Office will be provided as DHS, USCIS, CBP, and SEVP release further information regarding implementation of the final rule.  

• Monitor this page for updates  
• Review your I-94 upon every entry into the U.S.  
• F-1 or J-1 Students: If you are eligible and you already know you will require an extension beyond the program end date currently listed on your I-20 or DS-2019, apply as soon as possible before September 15, 2026.   
• J-1 Scholars: If you are eligible and you already know you will require an extension beyond the program end date currently listed on your DS-2019, please connect with your department to initiate a J extension as soon as possible.   
• Consult your International Office before making any academic, employment, or travel decisions that may affect your status.  

Contact the following email according to your campus with your full name, SEVIS ID number, and Jefferson program:  

• Center City Campus F-1 students,  J-1 students, and J-1 scholars may contact ois@jefferson.edu.  
• East Falls Campus F-1 students may contact TJU_EF_International@jefferson.edu.