1. Where can I find the official text of the new rule? When does the new rule take effect? 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the final version of the rule to eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) on July 17, 2026. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.  You can read the final text online here.

2. What UConn sponsored visa types are impacted by the new rule? 

• F-1 Students (including UConn alumni on OPT or STEM OPT). 
• J-1 Students (including UConn alumni on Academic Training). 
• J-1 Visiting Scholars and Postdocs (including J-1 Research Scholars, J-1 Professors, J-1 Short-term Scholars, J-1 Specialists and J-1 Student Interns). 
• F-2 and J-2 dependent family members of UConn Students and Scholars.

3. What does it mean to eliminate “Duration of Status”?  What is my “Admit Until Date” (AUD)?

Previously students and scholars admitted under “D/S” were allowed to stay in the U.S. for a  period of stay indicated on their I-94 admission record as “Duration of Status (D/S)”.  F-1/J-1 Students and J-1 Scholars were permitted to remain in the U.S. provided they complied with all F and J immigration regulations and were otherwise maintaining their visa status.  The new rule replaces the "Duration of Status" (D/S) admission with a fixed period of time, up to the length of the program end date listed on the Form I-20 for F students or Form DS-2019 for J students and scholars, not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day period for departure. 

4. Does this mean I must complete my degree in four years?

No, if you are a PhD student or a student in a program that requires more than four years of study, you will not need to graduate in four years, but you will have to request a program extension from ISSS to update your form I-20 or form DS-2019 and then file an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS in order to extend your F-1 or J-1 status beyond 4 years.  You should plan to file your EOS at least 6 months before the Admit Until Date (AUD) listed on your I-94.

5. What are the impacts of the new rule for F-1 or J-1 international students?

• Ends the use of "Duration of Status" (D/S) admission and replaces it with a specific end date ("Admit Until Date" - AUD) on the I-94 admission record.
• Under the new rule, the I-94 end date ("Admit Until Date" - AUD) is linked to the program end date listed on Form I-20 or DS-2019 or a maximum of 4 years, whichever is earlier, plus a grace period of 30 days.
• The rule requires students to file extension requests through USCIS using Form I-539 (with fee, biometrics, and possible interview) to extend their AUD.
• The rule restricts undergraduates from changing majors or transferring schools or academic programs within the first year of study, unless an exception is authorized.
• Graduate students may no longer transfer schools during their program of study, unless an exception is authorized.
• Graduate students may no longer change their educational objectives (majors or educational levels) at any point during their degree program at UConn.
• All students are restricted from completing another degree at the same or lower degree level.
• UCAELI students are limited to studying English language for no longer than 24-months, plus a 30-day departure period.
• The 60-day grace period after an F-1 program of study is shortened to 30 days. The 30-day grace period for J-1 visa holders remains unchanged.

6. What are the Impacts of the new rule for F-1 or J-1 international students admitted to the U.S. with D/S prior to 9/15/2026?  What is the transition process for these students? 

• F-1 and J-1 students admitted to the U.S. with D/S prior to 9/15/2026 will not receive an updated I-94, but their Admit Until Date (AUD) will be converted to the Program End Date listed on the form I-20 or DS-2019  as of 9/15/26 plus 60 days for F-1 or 30 day for J-1, or for a period of 4 years plus 60 days (or 30 days if J-1), whichever is earlier.
• F-2 and J-2 visa holders admitted with D/S prior to 9/15/2026 will also have their Admit Until Date (AUD) will be converted to the Program End Date listed of the F-1/J-1 principal on the form I-20 or DS-2019 as of 9/15/2026 plus 60 days ( or 30 days for J-2) or for a period of 4 years plus 60 days (or 30 days if J-2), whichever is earlier.
• F-1 students admitted to the U.S. with D/S prior to 9/15/2026 who do not depart the U.S. after 9/15/26 will retain a 60-day grace period after completion of their program.
• F-1 or J-1 students who depart the U.S.  after 9/15/2026 will be issued a new I-94 with AUD that includes a 30-day grace period when they return to the U.S.
• F-1 students graduating and applying for OPT in the six months after 9/15/2026 only need to file the form I-765 if they meet the following criteria:
  • were admitted to the U.S. with D/S prior to 9/15/2026; and
  • they did not depart the U.S. after 9/15/26; and
  • they file their application for OPT or STEM OPT by March 18, 2027
• F-1 students who depart the U.S. and return after 9/15/2026 will receive an I-94 with AUD and a 30-day grace period and will need to file both form I-765 for OPT and form I-539 for Extension of Stay.

5. What are the impacts of the new rule for J-1 Visiting Scholars (Research Scholars, Professors, Short-Term Scholars, Specialists and Visiting Research Students)?

• Ends the use of "Duration of Status" (D/S) admission and replaces it with a specific end date ("Admit Until Date" - AUD) on the I-94 admission record.
• Under the new rule, the I-94 end date ("Admit Until Date" - AUD) is linked to the program end date listed on Form DS-2019 or a maximum of 4 years, whichever is earlier, plus a grace period of 30 days.
• The rule requires scholars to file extension of stay requests through USCIS using Form I-539 (with fee, biometrics, and possible interview) to extend their AUD.