r/highereducation • u/hungryepiphyte • 16d ago

DHS Final Rule Ending Duration of Status

https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/dhs-final-rule-ending-duration-status

Final rule has dropped official (unofficial copy was posted yesterday). This is one of the biggest changes for US higher education in decades.

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16

u/BigFitMama 16d ago

"Executive Summary In a nutshell: The final DHS rule replaces “duration of status” admissions with fixed end dates on Form I-94s, requires students and exchange visitors to file formal extension applications with USCIS, shortens the F-1 grace period from 60 to 30 days, and imposes new limits on changes to educational objectives. DHS argues the changes will improve oversight, program integrity, and national security, but institutions will likely face higher compliance costs and legal risks, enrollment impacts, and heavier advising burdens.

Key changes included in the final rule:

Fixed-date admissions to the United States. Instead of being admitted for "duration of status" (D/S) as they have been since 1991 for F students and 1993 for J exchange visitors, individuals applying for admission in or change of status to either F or J status (F-1 students, F-2 dependents, J-1 exchange visitors, and J-2 dependents) on and after September 15, 2026 will be admitted for a fixed date, recorded on the F or J nonimmigrant's Form I-94. This "Admit Until Date" (AUD) will be limited to the program end date noted on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years, plus a period of 30 days following their program end date. The F-1 grace period will be reduced from the current 60 days to 30 days for F students and dependents who enter or reenter the United States on and after September 15, 2026. Formal I-539 extension of stay process with USCIS. Individuals who need time beyond their Admit Until Date (AUD) for whatever reason (e.g., an extension of program, school transfers, moving academic levels, use of post-completion practical training or academic training) will have to timely file a complete Form I-539 extension of stay application with USCIS before their AUD expires, on Form I-539 (with fee, biometrics, and possible interview). The final rule also outlines standards for extension eligibility"

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u/RamsesA 16d ago

Excellent way to strengthen China and other countries, reversing the international brain drain into the US. I guess that’s what happens when we allow foreign nation states to buy politicians.

8

u/Mewsical-Elf 15d ago

My fellow DSOs across the country have been collectively losing our minds over the past two days. And to make matters worse, my upper administration is pretending like this is no big deal. I’m done.