US tightens student visa rules for foreign scholars
The Department of Homeland Security will end the “duration of status” policy for F-1 international students on September 15, 2026, replacing it with a fixed expiration date on immigration documents.
The final rule, published on July 17, 2026, imposes significant limits on academic mobility, including bans on transfers, program changes, and additional degrees at the same level. These changes apply to all F-1 students completing a course of study on or after the effective date.
Fixed expiration dates replace open-ended stays
For decades, F-1 students could remain in the U.S. as long as they maintained valid student status without a set end date. The new rule requires every student to receive an “Admit Until Date” (AUD) on Form I-94. Once that date passes, their authorized stay expires, regardless of whether their academic program continues.
This change establishes firm deadlines for transfers, program extensions, and major changes. Missing a deadline results in losing status, with few options for correction.
No second degrees at the same level
The rule bars students from pursuing multiple degrees at the same educational level. A student who completes a master’s degree cannot begin another master’s program. The same restriction applies to bachelor’s degrees—no second attempts are allowed.
Double majors remain allowed, but only if both are declared at the start. Graduate students cannot add or drop a major after entering their program. The rule also prohibits reverse matriculation. A student who completes a graduate-level program cannot later pursue a lower-level degree, including a bachelor’s, associate’s, or English Language Training program.
Transfers restricted, especially for undergraduates
The rule divides transfer rules into two categories: undergraduate and graduate.
Undergraduates cannot transfer schools during their first academic year unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approves an exception for specific situations. These include a school losing its SEVP certification, a natural disaster, or a program being eliminated due to a merger. SEVP has not yet released procedures for requesting exceptions, leaving students uncertain.
After the first year, undergraduates may transfer only if they have not been placed on academic probation or suspension and show no repeated difficulty completing their program. If the new school’s program end date extends beyond their current AUD, they must either file Form I-539 to extend their stay or leave the U.S. and reenter with a new Form I-20 before the AUD expires.
Graduate students face stricter rules. Transfers are nearly impossible without SEVP approval for extenuating circumstances. The rule does not specify whether a graduate student can transfer to a higher-level program, such as from a master’s to a doctoral degree. Until DHS provides guidance, this uncertainty will remain.
Administrative burdens and legal risks
The shift to fixed AUDs creates ongoing administrative challenges. Students whose academic plans extend beyond their I-94 expiration date must take steps to avoid losing status. They have two choices: file Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the AUD expires, or travel internationally and reenter with a new Form I-20.
Both options present risks. USCIS processing times for I-539 applications are unpredictable and often lengthy. Traveling abroad introduces complications, including potential visa delays or entry issues. A single mistake could prevent a student from reentering the U.S.
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DHS may delay the academic mobility restrictions for up to two years due to potential technological limitations with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The agency has not indicated whether it will use this option. Schools and students should prepare as if the September 15 deadline is final.
With the rule taking effect in less than two months, schools must act immediately. They should audit current F-1 populations to identify students whose programs extend beyond their likely AUD or who plan transfers or program changes. Pending transfers or changes should be completed before September 15.
Graduate students need clear guidance on the new restrictions, especially those considering program or major adjustments. Designated School Officials (DSOs) must be briefed on the updated framework, including the lack of clear procedures for extenuating-circumstances exceptions.
Schools should monitor SEVP for updates on exception procedures and communicate changes to affected students. Systems must be implemented to track every F-1 student’s AUD to prevent missed deadlines. Legal challenges could delay or block the rule, so staying informed is critical.
The consequences of inaction are serious. A missed deadline or an unapproved transfer could force students to leave the U.S., disrupting their education and careers. Schools and students must adjust quickly to the new requirements.
These changes reflect broader enforcement priorities that impact international students and institutions alike.
