For decades, international students entering the United States on F-1 visas have benefited from a unique immigration policy known as Duration of Status (D/S). Under this system, students are generally permitted to remain in the United States for as long as they maintain their F-1 status, continue their academic program, and comply with immigration regulations.

That long-standing framework may soon change.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is moving forward with a rule that would eliminate Duration of Status and replace it with a fixed period of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain I visa holders. The proposal has now completed White House review and could be published as a final rule in the coming months.

What Is Duration of Status?

Currently, most F-1 students receive an I-94 admission record marked “D/S” rather than a specific expiration date. This allows students to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic program, any authorized practical training, and the applicable grace period, provided they continue to maintain lawful status.

For example, a student enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s degree who later pursues a master’s degree may remain in the United States without filing a formal extension of stay application with USCIS, as long as their SEVIS record remains valid and they continue to meet F-1 requirements.

This flexibility has been a cornerstone of the international student system since the late 1970s.

What Would Change?

Under the proposed rule, F-1 students would no longer be admitted for Duration of Status. Instead, they would receive a fixed admission period tied to the length of their academic program, but generally not exceeding four years.

Students who need additional time to complete their degree, pursue further education, or continue authorized training would be required to file a formal extension of stay request with USCIS before their authorized period expires.

In practical terms, this would move F-1 students closer to how many other nonimmigrant visa holders are treated. Instead of remaining in status indefinitely while complying with program requirements, students would need to actively request permission from USCIS to stay beyond their original admission period.

Additional Proposed Changes

The proposed rule contains several other significant changes that could affect international students.

One major change would shorten the current 60-day grace period following program completion to 30 days. This would reduce the amount of time students have to prepare for departure, apply for a change of status, or make other immigration arrangements after completing their studies.

The proposal would also create new extension filing requirements, including additional government filing fees, adjudication delays, and potential requests for evidence. Students would need to plan their academic programs more carefully to avoid falling out of status while waiting for USCIS decisions.

Additionally, students who remain in the United States beyond their authorized admission period without a timely extension could begin accruing unlawful presence immediately, potentially triggering future immigration penalties.

Why Is DHS Proposing This Change?

DHS argues that the current Duration of Status system creates challenges for immigration enforcement because students can remain in the United States for extended periods without receiving a new admission date. The agency has stated that a fixed admission period would improve oversight, reduce overstays, and strengthen program integrity.

The changes, however, would create significant administrative burdens for students, universities, and USCIS. Many higher education institutions have warned that requiring extension applications could increase costs, create uncertainty, and discourage talented international students from choosing U.S. universities.

What Should Students Do Now?

For now, nothing has changed.

The current Duration of Status system remains in effect, and students should continue following existing F-1 rules and guidance from their Designated School Officials (DSOs).

However, students pursuing long academic programs, multiple degrees, or future Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities should closely monitor developments. If the rule becomes final, advance planning will become more important than ever.