Fixed Period of Admission for International Students

Below is summary information for international students regarding the July 2026 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 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.

The DHS final rule represents the most significant change to F-1 student immigration regulations in decades. The rule eliminates the longstanding Duration of Status (D/S) system and replaces it with a fixed period of admission, requiring many students to seek direct approval from USCIS to remain in the United States beyond their initial admission period. The rule becomes effective on September 15, 2026.

• Major Changes
• Key Takeaways
• Action Items for Current Students
• Key Dates and Deadlines
• FAQ's for Current Students

Major Changes

1. Duration of Status (D/S) Is Eliminated

Previously, F‑1 students were admitted for "D/S," allowing them to remain in the United States as long as they maintained status and made normal academic progress.

Under the new rule:

• F‑1 students will be admitted for a fixed period.
• Admission generally may not exceed four years.
• Additional time requires a formal Extension of Stay application.

2. Students Must Apply to USCIS for Additional Time

Students needing more time to complete their degree may no longer rely solely on a school-issued I‑20 extension.

Instead:

• Students must apply directly to USCIS for an Extension of Stay (EOS).
• Applications may require biometrics and additional vetting.
• Certain employment authorizations receive automatic continuation while a timely EOS application is pending.

3. Current Students Receive Transition Protection

Students already in the United States under D/S before September 15, 2026 are subject to transition provisions.

Generally, they may remain:

• Until the program end date on their current Form I‑20; or
• Up to four years after the rule's effective date,

subject to the terms of the transition provisions.

4. Changes Affecting Student Mobility

Transfer Restrictions

The rule substantially limits academic mobility.

Undergraduate Students

Generally cannot transfer schools or change educational objectives during the first academic year except in limited circumstances.

Graduate Students

Generally are prohibited from:

• Transferring schools during their program; and
• Changing educational objectives,

except in extenuating circumstances.

Additional Degree Programs

After completing a degree, students generally may not begin another program at the same or lower educational level while remaining in F‑1 status.

Changes to Grace Periods

The F‑1 post-completion grace period is shortened:

• Previous Rule: 60 Days
• New Rule: 30 days

Students will have less time after graduation to:

• Depart the United States;
• Transfer schools;
• Change immigration status; or
• Complete other post-graduation arrangements.

Impact on OPT

OPT and STEM OPT remain available.

The rule includes special transition provisions for students with pending OPT and STEM OPT applications and provides automatic continuation of certain employment authorizations while a timely EOS application is pending. Please also see OPT Planning below.

English Language Training Programs

Students in English Language Training (ELT) programs are limited to:

• A total of 24 months of study,
• Including breaks and vacation periods.

Dependents

F‑2 dependent status becomes directly tied to the principal F‑1 student's admission period and any approved Extension of Stay.

Consequences of Overstaying

The rule creates greater risk for students who remain beyond their authorized admission period.

DHS states that overstaying the fixed admission period results in accrual of unlawful presence, potentially triggering future immigration consequences and reentry bars.

Key Takeaways

For Wilmington University's current F‑1 students, the most important points are:

1. Current students generally receive transition protection and do not immediately lose status.
2. Future extensions will increasingly require USCIS approval rather than solely University action.
3. Students should carefully monitor I‑20 dates and immigration deadlines.
4. The 30-day grace period requires earlier graduation and OPT planning.
5. Transfers and program changes may become significantly more restricted, especially for graduate students.

Overall, the rule shifts oversight of F‑1 status from a school-centered compliance model to a more government-controlled model requiring periodic USCIS review.

Action Items for Current Wilmington University Students

Students graduating in 2026 or later

• Meet with International Affairs before your final semester.
• Review your Form I-20 end date carefully.
• Develop an OPT or post-graduation plan early.

Students whose programs may exceed four years

• Meet with International Affairs at least several months before your authorized stay expires.
• Prepare supporting documentation for an Extension of Stay application if needed.

All F-1 Students

• Maintain full-time enrollment.
• Monitor your university email for additional guidance.
• Keep your passport, visa, I-20, and SEVIS records current.
• Contact International Affairs before making any immigration-related decisions.
• See Maintaining F-1 Status for complete information.

Please also see Fixed Period of Admission FAQ's.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Rule Dates

July 17, 2026—Final Rule Published

• DHS published the final rule titled 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.

September 15, 2026—Rule Effective Date

• The new fixed-period admission system becomes effective.
• New F-1 students admitted on or after this date will generally be admitted for a fixed period rather than Duration of Status (D/S).

Student Timeline and Deadlines

1. First Academic Year
2. Prior to Changing Your Major or Starting a New Program
3. OPT Planning
4. Before Your Admission Period Expires
5. Program Completion

First Academic Year—Transfer Restrictions

• Most students must complete their first academic year at the institution that issued their initial Form I-20 before transferring, unless an exception applies.

Prior to Changing Educational Objectives (Change of Major or New Degree Program)

Students should consult their DSO before:

• Changing degree levels.
• Changing educational objectives.
• Transferring to another school.
• Beginning another academic program.

Certain changes that were previously easier under the D/S system may require additional review under the new rule.

OPT Planning

Students intending to pursue:

• Pre-completion OPT
• Post-completion OPT
• STEM OPT

should begin planning well in advance of graduation because the shortened 30-day grace period leaves less flexibility for post-graduation immigration planning.

Before Your Admission Period Expires—Extension of Stay Filing Deadline

• Students needing additional time to complete their program must file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS before their authorized stay expires.
• Timely filing allows students to continue studying while USCIS reviews the application.

Within 30 Days After Program Completion—Reduced Grace Period

• Previous Rule: 60-day grace period
• New Rule: 30-day grace period
• Students must depart the United States, transfer schools, begin a new authorized program, obtain OPT authorization, or otherwise maintain lawful status within 30 days after:
  • Completing their academic program; or
  • Completing post-completion practical training (OPT).