Updates on F-1 Duration of Status Rule Changes

Current rule: When F-1 students enter the United States, their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record shows "D/S" (Duration of Status) instead of a specific admission end date.

Starting September 15, 2026: A specific "admit until date” will be listed on your I-94. This date will be your I-20 program end date plus a 30-day grace period.

Yes. Students can still study for more than four years. 

Some media reports incorrectly suggest that international students will be limited to only four years of study in the United States. This is not entirely accurate. Four years is the maximum period that may be granted on your I-94 each time you enter the U.S. If you need additional time beyond the program end date on your I-20 to complete your studies, you may apply for an extension while you are in the United States or exit the U.S. and re-enter with a new I-20.

Students' authorized length of stay has always been connected to their academic program. Generally, students may remain in the U.S. until they complete their program or reach the end date on their I-20, whichever comes first. What is changing is the process used to request additional time when needed. 

Current rule: Students who need extended time to complete studies after the I-20 program end date can be approved directly by their college or university. 

Starting September 15, 2026: Students who need more time after their I-20 program end date will have two options: 

1. Apply to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) for an Extension of Stay. 

2. Leave the United States and re-enter with a new I-20 that shows an updated program end date. Many students already travel home between academic terms.

Change to length of “grace period”: The grace period after completion of studies will change from 60 days to 30 days. The grace period is the time when students can transfer their SEVIS (I-20) record to another school, apply for OPT, or change status to something other than F-1. 

You may continue to travel and return to the United States after September 15, 2026. 

The main change is that your I-94 will show a specific "admit until date” instead of "D/S." As always, make sure: 

• Your passport and F-1 visa are valid
• You are carrying your current I-20, and 
• Your I-20 was signed on page 2 by an advisor or F-1 specialist in the IE Department during your most recent quarter. 

Important for Students Planning to Apply for OPT: If you will graduate in Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or Winter 2027 and plan to apply for OPT, please speak with an F-1 specialist. If you travel outside the United States on or after September 15, 2026, and before submitting your OPT application, you may need to apply for an Extension of Stay together with your OPT application. 

Many countries already use a fixed-duration student visa or residence permit system. By moving away from the D/S system, the United States is adopting an approach that is similar to those used by many other major study destinations. 

The government has stated that these changes are not intended to affect students who are following their stated academic goals and making reasonable academic progress. Instead, the new rules are trying to prevent individuals who use the student visa system to stay in the U.S. as long as they possibly can and are not really here to study.

Please note that the changes below may not be implemented by September 15, 2026, and could be revised before taking effect. 

Restrictions on Transfer or Change of Educational Objective During the First Academic Year: During the first academic year of study (three quarters), students will not be able to transfer to another school or change their educational objective (major). Shoreline's I-20s have very general "educational objectives," such as "Liberal Arts and Sciences" or "Physical Sciences."

These rules were written with bachelor's level students in mind - more clarification is needed for ESL and pathway programs. We are assuming that if a student finishes a program that is shorter than one year, such as ESL or EAP/Pathway, they will be allowed to change to the next higher level.

Second Degree at the Same or Lower Level: Students who complete a degree after September 15, 2026 will not be eligible to pursue a second degree at the same or lower academic level (such as a second associate's degree or a second bachelor's degree). This change will not affect students who complete an associate degree and then transfer to a bachelor's degree program. It will also not affect students who wish to transfer before completing a degree.

Important Information for Pre-Nursing Students: If you are currently a pre-nursing student and plan to apply to Shoreline's Associate Degree in Nursing program, please meet with an academic advisor. Completing the full AA-DTA Pre-Nursing Transfer degree while taking nursing prerequisite courses may make you ineligible to pursue Shoreline's Associate Degree in Nursing. An academic advisor can help ensure your educational plan meets program requirements.

Check the Program End Date on Your I-20. Your program end date can be found on the first page of your I-20:  

If you believe you may not complete your program by that date, contact an academic advisor as soon as possible. Visit our advising webpage for drop-in hours and appointment information, or email us at ieadvisors@shoreline.edu. 

How Can You Learn More? 

Attend an upcoming info session on Zoom:

Thursday, August 20, 7:00 p.m. PDT
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85173232710

In the meantime, if you are concerned about your individual situation, please meet with an academic advisor or an F-1 specialist. We are here to support you!