Skip to main content

FAQ about the Elimination of Duration of Status for F-1 Students

Transition Provisions for students present in the U.S. on Sept 15

What if I am already in the U.S. on September 15, 2026, does anything immediately change that day for me?

Your admission is not expected to automatically change when the new rule becomes effective. Your I-94 card is expected to still indicate “D/S” when you retrieve it. However, you are only authorized to remain in the U.S. until the program end date on your I-20 (as of September 15, 2026) or for four years if your I-20 is valid for more than four years, plus a grace period of 60 days (or until November 14, 2030). Transition provisions no longer apply to students who exit and reenter the U.S. after September 15, 2026.

Form I-94 and Admit Until Date (AUD)

What is Form I-94, and why is it important?

Form I-94 is the official record of your admission to the United States issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Your Form I-94 documents:

  • Your immigration classification or status (such as F-1, J-1, etc.)
  • Your port of entry to the United States
  • The date you entered the United States
  • How long you are authorized to stay in the United States

Under the new rule, students admitted to the U.S. after September 15, 2026 will be admitted until a specific date on their Form I-94.

What is an AUD?

The Admit Until Date (AUD) is the date on your I-94 indicating how long you can stay in the U.S. You need to either leave the country by this date or apply for an extension of stay before it. Only students entering the U.S. after September 15, 2026, will receive an I-94 with an AUD.

How is the AUD calculated?

For most F-1 students entering the U.S. after September 15, 2026, the AUD will be the 
shorter of the following:

  • The program end date on the Form I-20 plus a 30-day grace period.
  • Four years plus a 30-day grace period, if the Form I-20 program end date extends beyond four years.

It is possible some students may receive a truncated AUD if their passport expires before their program end date or four years, whichever is shorter. Students would need to apply for an EOS or leave the U.S. by the truncated date.

What if my I-94 form has an error?

If you believe your Form I-94 contains an error, you should contact the IC as soon as possible. Do not assume that an incorrect I-94 will automatically be corrected. You may need to submit an I-94 correction request to CBP. You need to take prompt action to ensure you are authorized to stay in the U.S. until the correct date.

What are the consequences of staying past my AUD?

Students who stay past their AUD without timely applying for an extension of stay (EOS) 
may be immediately out of status and begin accruing unlawful presence. If a student accrues more than 180 days of unlawful presence before departing the U.S., then they may be subject to a three-year bar to reentry. Students who accrue more than one year of unlawful presence may be subject to a ten-year bar to reentry. Even if a student does not meet either of these thresholds, the overstay may be questioned or considered by consular officers when applying for future visas.

Extension of Stay (EOS)

How early can I apply for an extension of stay?

It is unclear how early an EOS application can be submitted, but language in the rule suggests it may be limited to 180 days or six months. You will need to be able to provide all the required documentation with your EOS, including:

  • Justification for the extension:
    • Compelling academic reason, such as change of major or research topic or unexpected research problems
    • Documented illness or medical condition that is a compelling medical reason
    • Circumstances beyond the students control, such as natural disaster or school closure
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses

Students should not wait until the last minute to apply for an EOS. Students should start their EOS application once they have a valid reason for the extension and documentation showing their projected graduation timeline. It is reasonable for most students to start the EOS process at least several months before their current AUD. Doctoral students should have achieved candidacy before applying for an EOS.

Who will determine my eligibility for EOS and by what standard?

Students who apply for an EOS through USCIS will have their application adjudicated by a USCIS official. Eligibility standards for an extension include:

  • Maintenance of status
  • Currently pursuing a full course of study
  • Possessing an I-20 indicating additional time to complete the program of study
  • One of the following:
    • Compelling academic reason
    • Compelling medical reason
    • Circumstances beyond the student’s control
  • Proof of sufficient funding for extending the stay

DHS may require students to provide biometric information or appear for an interview as part of the EOS application process. Students may also leave the U.S. and apply for reentry, in which case CBP will determine whether or not the student will be admitted for the extended time period.

Is premium processing available for EOS?

No, premium processing is not available at this time for EOS applications.

What are the consequences of not filing an EOS in time?

Students who do not file an EOS before their AUD may immediately be considered out of status. They would be required to apply for reinstatement of their F-1 status instead. Students who stay past their AUD without timely applying for an extension of stay (EOS) or reinstatement may be immediately out of status and begin accruing unlawful presence. If a student accrues more than 180 days of unlawful presence before departing the U.S., then they may be subject to a three-year bar to reentry. Students who accrue more than one year of unlawful presence may be subject to a ten-year bar to reentry. Even if a student does not meet either of these thresholds, the overstay may be questioned or considered by consular officers when applying for future visas.

I need more time to complete my degree requirements than my AUD allows. Do I need to apply for an EOS?

Yes, if you will not complete your degree requirements by your AUD, then you should speak with an advisor in the IC. You may need to submit a request for an extension of your I-20. You then would need to either apply for an EOS or exit and reenter the country with the new I-20. There may be benefits and drawbacks to either option, so it is important to discuss your situation with an advisor so you can make an informed decision about which is best for you.

How do I apply for an EOS?

You may need to submit a request for an extension through the IC if you will not finish your degree requirements by your current program end date. Then you will need to submit your EOS application to USCIS along with all the required documentation before your AUD. If you wish to work on campus while your EOS application is pending, then you will need to apply for your EOS before your current I-20 end date.

What am I allowed to do while my EOS is pending?

F-1 students to timely apply for an EOS may continue to stay in the U.S. while the application is pending. They may continue to study full-time in their program. Students who file their EOS before their I-20 program end date may receive an automatic extension of work authorization of up to 240 days for on-campus employment, curricular practical training (CPT), or economic hardship. Students who file the EOS during their 30-day grace period are not eligible for this automatic extension of work authorization.

International Travel and Reentry

Can I travel before September 15, 2026?

Yes, most students may travel before September 15, 2026. Those who enter the U.S. before September 15, 2026 should be admitted for the duration of status, and will then become subject to the transition provisions for continuing students. Students from countries subject to the current travel ban should not travel. Students with expired visas should discuss their situation with an advisor before making travel arrangements.

Can I travel after 09/15/2026?

Yes, most students may travel after September 15, 2026. Those who enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 will be admitted with a date-specific Form I-94. They will receive a 30-day grace period calculated into their AUD, and will need to submit an EOS if they wish to remain in the U.S. beyond their AUD (including for OPT). Students from countries subject to the current travel ban should not travel. Students with expired visas should discuss their situation with an advisor before making travel arrangements.

Can I travel while my EOS application is pending?

Yes, you may travel while your EOS is pending. You will need to travel with a copy of your EOS receipt notice. If you seek to reenter the U.S. before your AUD, then CBP has the discretion to either admit you until your previous AUD (and your EOS application will continue to be processed by USCIS), or until the new recommended program end date or a maximum of four years (whichever is shorter), plus 30 days, and your EOS application will be abandoned. If you reenter after your AUD, then CBP may admit you until the new recommended program end date or a maximum of four years (whichever is shorter), plus 30 days, and your EOS application will be abandoned.

Employment and Practical Training

Can I still apply for OPT or STEM OPT?

Yes, you can still apply for OPT or STEM OPT. The new rule does not change any of the regulations pertaining to OPT or STEM OPT. It only applies to a student’s period of admission and the process they must follow to extend their authorized period of stay in the U.S. 

  • Students under the transition rules (in the U.S. on 9/15/2026 who do not travel afterwards) may apply for OPT or STEM OPT without filing an EOS if they file their application before March 18, 2027. 
  • Students subject to the new rule because they entered the U.S. after September 15, 2026, or students subject to the transition rules who apply after March 18, 2027, will need to file an EOS application concurrently with the OPT or STEM OPT application. Students may not begin OPT until both the OPT and the EOS are approved.
When I file for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT with USCIS, do I also need to file an extension of stay application with USCIS?

It depends. Students under the transition rules (in the U.S. on 9/15/2026 who do not travel afterwards) may apply for OPT or STEM OPT without filing an EOS if they file their application before March 18, 2027. Students subject to the new rule because they entered the U.S. after September 15, 2026, or students subject to the transition rules who apply after March 18, 2027, will need to file an EOS application concurrently with the OPT or STEM OPT application.

I am planning to travel outside the US over winter break, will that impact my post-completion OPT application?

Possibly, but it largely depends on when you apply for OPT. Students who plan to travel while their OPT application is pending should speak with an advisor before finalizing any travel plans. Students who travel before they apply for OPT will be subject to all of the conditions of the new rule, and will be required to file an EOS application concurrently with their OPT application.

Will premium processing still be available for OPT and STEM OPT?

Yes, but it is unclear if premium processing for an OPT/STEM OPT application will also mean that a concurrent EOS application will also be adjudicated at the same time. There currently is not an option to file an EOS application with premium processing. The government will need to issue additional guidance before we know how USCIS will treat OPT/STEM OPT applications with premium processing that require accompanying EOS applications that do not have premium processing.

Transfers and Changes in Educational Objectives

I completed my first Master’s degree in May 2026 and was admitted into another one for Fall 2026. Can I complete my second Master’s degree?

Yes, you may complete your second Master’s degree. However, once you complete your second degree, you will not be able to pursue another program in F-1 status at the Master’s level or lower since you will have completed your second Master’s program after September 15, 2026.

I have been admitted into a dual degree program, can I complete both degrees?

Yes, as long as you have started the dual degree program before September 15, 2026.

I am a continuing Master’s student and have been admitted into a dual program starting January 2027. Will I be able to pursue my second major? 

The rule prohibits the change of educational objectives (major or educational level) for graduate students during their program of study. It is unlikely that your SEVIS record may be updated to reflect the second degree since you will not start the dual degree program until after September 15, 2026. Additional guidance is needed, and It is unclear at this time what SEVIS functionality will allow.

I am a doctoral student and would like to leave my program with a Master’s degree in December 2026. Can I do that? Will I be eligible for OPT on the basis of my Master’s degree?

Yes, doctoral students may withdraw from their programs after the rule becomes effective on September 15, 2026. However, the rule prohibits the change of educational objectives (major or educational level) for graduate students during their program of study. It is unlikely that you will be eligible for OPT on the basis of your Master’s degree.

Can I earn a second degree at the same level?

Students who complete a degree program in the U.S. in F-1 status after September 15, 2026 will not be able to pursue another program in F-1 status at the same education level or lower. You may earn a second degree at the same level if you completed the first degree outside the U.S. or while in F-1 status in the U.S. before September 15, 2026.

I am planning to transfer to U-M after completing one year of school. Can I declare my major after my first semester at U-M?

According to the regulations, yes, you should be able to declare your major after your first semester since you will have completed one academic year and were eligible to transfer your SEVIS record to U-M. If you do not transfer your SEVIS record to U-M and enter the U.S. with a new initial SEVIS record from U-M, then the rule may prohibit you from changing majors for the first academic year under the new I-20.

I’m an undergraduate student taking a Leave of Absence and am planning to return to U-M after September 15, 2026. Will I be able to change my major immediately?

If you enter the U.S. in January with a new SEVIS record, then the rule prohibits the change of educational objectives (major or educational level) for undergraduate students during the first academic year of their program.

Can I transfer my SEVIS record from my master’s program at another school to my doctoral program at U-M?

Yes, you should be able to transfer your SEVIS record upon completion of a Master’s program and admission to a doctoral program. The rule prohibits school transfers during a graduate student’s program of study, but not upon completion of a program. Students who wish to transfer to another school to start a new program at a higher education level will need to consider many things. Students will need to ensure the transfer is done in a timely manner, will need to timely apply for an EOS, and will need to consider whether they are expected to be employed by the new institution at the start of their program.

Can I start my doctoral program at U-M after finishing my master’s program at U-M?

Yes, you should be able to start a doctoral program after finishing a master’s program. The rule prohibits changes in education level during a graduate student’s program of study, but not upon completion of a program. Students who wish to start a new program at a higher education level will need to consider many things. Students will need to ensure the change in education level is done in a timely manner, will need to timely apply for an EOS, and will need to consider whether they are expected to be employed by the new program at the start of their program.

Dependents

Are F-2 dependents subject to the new admission period?

Yes, F-2 dependents are subject to the new rule. The authorized period of stay for F-2 dependents should match the authorized stay of the principal F-1 student.

Do F-2 dependents need to file EOS applications separately?

F-2 dependents may be included in the principal F-1’s EOS application without paying a separate fee only if that application is submitted by mail. If a family chooses to file an EOS online through a myUSCIS account, then the F-1 and each F-2 must file a separate EOS application and pay a separate filing fee.

What if F-1 students and F-2 dependents travel separately, how is AUD determined for each?

The AUD will in most cases be determined by the F-1’s and F-2’s I-20 program end date (which should match). Both F-1’s and F-2’s should be admitted until the I-20 program end date, or for four years, whichever is shorter, plus 30 days. However, it is possible that an F-2 may be admitted for a shorter period of time if the F-2’s passport will expire before the F-1’s AUD.

 

Last Updated: 8/3/2026