Resources and Webinar Schedule for New DHS Rule

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Sent 7/28/2026

Dear International Community, 

Greetings from the ISSS!  Following up on our message from July 17, I’m writing to share some resources, including a schedule of upcoming webinars, on the Department of Homeland Security Final Rule to Eliminate Duration of Status.   The new rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.    

 

Some of the changes imposed by the new rule include: 

  • Replacing the use of “Duration of Status” (D/S) admission with a fixed period of time not to exceed four years plus 30 days.  The new fixed period of admission will be reflected in the “Admit Until Date” – AUD on the I-94 admission record.
  • Under the new rule, the AUD listed on the I-94 is based on 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 and exchange visitors to extend their AUD by filing an extension request through USCIS using  Form I-539 (with fee, biometrics, and possible interview) or renewing their AUD by traveling outside of the U.S. and getting an updated form I-94 from Customs and Border Protection upon reentry.
  • The rule restricts students below the graduate level from changing majors or transferring schools or academic programs within the first academic year of study, unless an exception is authorized by the government.
  • The rule restricts graduate students from transferring schools during their program of study, unless an exception is authorized by the government.  It also restricts graduate students from changing their educational objectives (majors or educational levels) at any point during their degree program at UConn.
  • All students will be restricted from completing a second degree at the same or lower degree level as a first completed degree.
  • UCAELI students will be 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 will be shortened to 30 days. The 30-day grace period for J-1 visa holders remains unchanged.
  • There will be special transition policies in place for students who are already in the U.S. with D/S admission when the rule becomes effective. Please see the FAQ for more information.

Resources for students, researchers and the university community: 

  • Visit the ISSS Immigration Updates webpage for FAQs answering many of the common questions regarding the new rule. This will continue to be updated as we confirm new information.
  • Attend an ISSS presentation to learn more. Over the coming weeks and months, ISSS will offer a series of presentations to university community members to help you understand and prepare for the new rule. We strongly encourage you to attend a session.  Presentation content will be offered for special populations:
  •  F-1 and J-1 Students
  • F-1 Alumni on OPT or STEM OPT Extension and J-1 Alumni on Academic Training
  • J-1 Research Scholars, Professors, Short-Term Scholars, and Specialists, including visiting research students.
  • Meetings for Academic Departments and Program/Advising Staff (Dept Chairs, Dept Admins, Faculty Supervisors, etc.)
  • Academic Administrators and Faculty Supporting International Students

Most presentations will be delivered online. The schedule of presentations is posted and will continue to be updated on the Immigration Updates page, and in the coming days you will be able to register to attend the webinars from the UConn Events Calendar.

While the information above may be overwhelming, please know that the ISSS and the University are working to understand all the implications so that we can best support and advise students and exchange visitors impacted by the changes.  UConn ISSS is engaged with national organizations that are helping to advocate for international students and to clarify parts of the rule.  Some government agencies have yet to release guidance to stakeholders, but we anticipate more information in the weeks before the rule goes into effect. Therefore, we will continue offering presentations so that we can share updates with the community as we learn about them.

Best wishes,

Arthur