July 17th, 2026 Federal Regulatory Changes: Elimination of Duration of Status and Addition of Academic Mobility Restrictions
On July 17th 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a rule that eliminates “duration of status” (D/S) for F and J nonimmigrants in favor of a fixed admission period and adds new F-1 student academic mobility restrictions. The final rule, which will take effect on September 15th, 2026, is titled Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media. This ruling impacts St. Olaf’s current and incoming international students the following ways:
First-Year Academic Limitations:
- International students are not allowed to declare a major field of study during their first academic year. (They currently all enter with a “Liberal Arts” major field of study recorded in SEVIS.)
- First-year international students seeking to transfer schools or degree programs will need to fill out an “extension of stay” application with USCIS prior.
Reduction of Grace Period After Completion of Program:
- The grace period after the conclusion of the student’s program has been reduced to 30 days from 60 days.
- The grace period after the conclusion of an alumni’s OPT (Optional Practical Training) or STEM OPT has been reduced to 30 days from 60 days.
Elimination of Duration of Status:
- Bachelor’s degrees must be finished within four-years without falling behind academically. If students need additional time, they will need to file for an extension of stay and have their case reviewed by USCIS, OR leave the U.S. and re-enter with an updated I-20.
- International students continuing their education in the U.S. with a Master’s or Doctorate degree will need to file for an extension of stay and have their case reviewed by USCIS, OR leave the U.S. and re-enter with an updated I-20.
- International students who intend to work in the U.S. on OPT status will need to file for an extension of stay and have their case reviewed by USCIS, OR leave the U.S. and re-enter with an updated I-20 after their OPT application has been submitted.
There will be two sessions summarizing this new rule during fall semester for returning international students. During which any additional information or guidance we’ve received will be present and discussed.
These regulations are new and adherence to them is unpracticed. However, Brisa and I are always available to provide guidance and support. I hope to see you at one of the sessions posted above – I’m looking forward to seeing you all in-person again this fall.