Duration of Status Updates

Where things stand

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that would replace Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed admission periods for F-1 and J-1 students. On September 14, one day before it was set to take effect, a federal judge paused the rule nationwide. DHS has appealed that decision. The rule is expected to be published, but the date and details of those published changes are unknown.

Who is affected

Most F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are admitted to the U.S. for “Duration of Status.” This means you may generally stay as long as you maintain your status and make normal progress toward finishing your program. Your I-94 record should show “D/S.”

What this means for F-1 and J-1 students today

• D/S remains in effect. You do not need to file anything new because of the rule. If you missed the August sessions, please finish the D/S Basics Course below.
• Keep maintaining your status. Stay enrolled full time, update your U.S. address in Hokie SPA within 10 days of a move, and submit requests through the IntlHokies Portal on time.
• If you travel, check your I-94 record when you return to make sure it shows “D/S.” Contact CBP if it doesn’t.
• Watch your @vt.edu email. Appeals can sometimes move quickly. If anything changes, we will reach out right away and explain what it means for you.

What’s happening in court

July 17, 2026. DHS published the final rule, set to take effect September 15.

September 14, 2026. A federal judge in Massachusetts paused the rule and barred DHS from implementing it while the lawsuit continues. The order applies nationwide. It also pauses the rule’s other changes, including the shorter F-1 grace period. Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security, et al., No. 26-13799-FDS (D. Mass.)

September 30, 2026. DHS appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The appeal does not put the rule into effect.

October 2, 2026. At a hearing in the district court, DHS said it plans to ask the appeals court to move the appeal along faster. The judge asked both sides to file their positions on next steps by October 9.

What the appeal means. The appeals court is not deciding yet whether the rule is lawful. It is deciding whether the pause should stay in place while the case continues. If the appeals court sides with DHS, the rule could take effect before the case is finished. Meanwhile, the lawsuit itself continues in the district court.

What the rule would change if it takes effect

• Replace D/S with a fixed admission period, generally tied to the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019 and capped at four years.
• Require students who need more time to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay.
• Shorten the F-1 grace period after completing a program from 60 days to 30.
• Limit some program changes, such as transfers and changes to your educational objective.

D/S Basics Course

If you did not attend a live D/S session in August, please complete the D/S Basics Course. The hold on your IntlHokies Portal account will stay in place until you finish it. The course explains what the rule would change and how to track your own records, so you’ll be ready if the rule takes effect.