This message was originally sent to all international students and scholars by email on September 15, 2026.

Dear International Students and Scholars,

We are writing to share an important update regarding the Duration of Status (D/S) Final Rule that was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.

On September 14, the Federal District Court of Massachusetts issued an order postponing the September 15 effective date of the Final Rule and preliminarily preventing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from taking further action to implement the rule while the court’s order remains in effect.

As a result, the Final Rule will not take effect today as scheduled. For now, the existing Duration of Status (D/S) rules remain in place. Students and scholars should continue to follow the existing requirements applicable to their immigration status and their current I-20 or DS-2019. You do not need to take any new action solely as a result of the Final Rule at this time.

ISSS will continue to monitor developments and to provide additional information and guidance as appropriate.  Please reach out to your ISSS advisor with any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

International Student & Scholar Services

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