Immigration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Rule Eliminating Duration of Status (D/S), Effective Pending Legal Challenge

What is the rule about? 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 was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, but implementation has been postponed.  You can read the final text online here. On September 14, 2026, 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.

The rule has two main impacts:

  1. Establishes a fixed period of stay in the United States (Impacts both F and J visa holders)
  2. Restricts academic mobility including major changes and the ability to transfer schools (Impacts only F visa holders, J visa holders were already subject to some of these restrictions)

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.

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. 

    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 either file an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS in order to extend your F-1 or J-1 status beyond 4 years or travel internationally and reenter the U.S. to extend your I-94 Admit Until Date.  You should plan to file your EOS at least 6 months before the Admit Until Date (AUD) listed on your I-94.

    What are the Fixed Admission Period 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 or travel internationally before their AUD to get a new I-94 with an updated AUD upon reentry to the U.S.
    • 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.

    What are the Academic Mobility Impacts of the New Rule for F-1 or J-1 International Students?

    • The rule restricts undergraduate students (bachelor's degree) 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.

    What are the Impacts of the New Rule for F-1 International Students in the UCAELI Program?

    • UCAELI students are limited to studying English language for no longer than 24-months plus a 30-day departure period.

    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.

    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.

    My passport is expiring soon. Will this impact my fixed period of stay?

    Yes, if your passport expires soon, we recommend renewing it as soon as possible. Under the new regulations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will determine the length of your authorized stay when you are admitted to the U.S. If your passport expires before the end of your F-1 or J-1 program, CBP may limit your period of admissions to match your passport expiration date instead of the full length of your F-1 or J-1 program or the 4-year maximum, whichever is shorter.

    Can I extend my admit until date (AUD) by traveling internationally? How will CBP determine my AUD on reentry?

    Students who depart the United States without an approved Extension of Stay (EOS) application and are applying for admission with a valid I-20 or DS-2019 may be admitted for the length of time indicated by the Program End Date (PED) on their I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day grace period.

    I’m an undergraduate student (bachelor’s degree student). Can I change my major or transfer out to a new university?

    As an undergraduate student, you are only permitted to change your major or transfer your SEVIS record after you complete your first year of enrollment. Transferring or changing major prior to completing your first year of enrollment is not allowed.

     

    I’m a first-year undergraduate student (bachelor’s degree student), a new transfer-in undergraduate student, or a readmitted undergrad with a new I-20. Can I go from ACES to a major in my first academic year at UConn? 

    ISSS is currently looking into this and hoping for better guidance from SEVP. The regulations only state that students may not change educational objectives--meaning Major or level--“within the first academic year of a program of study”.  Until we get clearer guidance from SEVP students should not declare a major, add or change a major or second major, or add or change a minor.

     

    I’m a PhD Student and I’m completing a Masters along the way to my PhD. Is that OK?

    Yes, so long as you were admitted as a PhD and your degree working toward remains PhD, completing a Masters or a Grad Certificate along the way is not considered a change of major.

    • Example: You are admitted to a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering. Along the way in year 2 of your PhD program you are awarded an MS in Computer Science and Engineering, simply completing a Masters

    I’m a PhD student and I want to take a “Terminal Master’s” and stop my PhD and graduate with a Masters degree. Is that OK?

    You will need to end your F-1 program if you decide to stop the PhD and graduate with a Masters level. Changing educational levels is not allowed for graduate students, so you would effectively be withdrawing from the PhD program and you would need to exit the U.S. within 15 days. You would not be eligible for OPT.

    OPT: What will the process be to apply for 12-month OPT under the new rule?

    OPT requests require filing both an I-765 with USCIS AND filing an I-539 for an EOS with USCIS (or extension via international travel/re-entry).

    For 12 month OPT: F-1 students must take 3 actions before their AUD expires:

    1. Confirm your upcoming graduation/degree completion with your academic advisor
    2. No more than 100 days before your graduation/degree completion date, Submit an Optional Practical Training Record in the ISSS Portal to get an updated I-20 with an OPT Recommendation.
    3. Apply for OPT with USCIS by submitting a form I-765 for Employment Authorization (EAD card) and at the same time request an EOS with USCIS OR exit the U.S. & re-enter to secure a new AUD based on your OPT requested end date plus 30 days.

    Concerns:

    • You may not begin working until both the EAD and the EOS are approved.
    • Students may travel while the OPT EAD request/EOS are pending, but travel may be risky.
    • For Extensions via Travel: After travel, your new AUD will be based on recommended or approved OPT end date.
    • If you travel after your Program Completion date and your F-1 visa is expired: you may NOT be able to extend via travel, and you will have to file an EOS with USCIS.
      • If you leave the U.S. after your Program Completion date, you can’t be approved for a new F-1 visa unless your OPT EAD is approved. It’s not clear if the EAD can be approved if you do not have evidence of an EOS or re-entry with an extended AUD on your I-94 that you submit to USCIS as evidence for your OPT application.
    • If you are subject to a travel ban: You would not be able to extend via travel, you will have to file an EOS with USCIS.

    STEM OPT: What will the process be to file for F-1 STEM OPT extension under the new rule?

    OPT and STEM OPT extension requests require filing both a form I-765 with USCIS AND filing a form I-539 for an EOS with USCIS (or extension via travel/re-entry). F-1 students who filed their STEM OPT extension with USCIS in a timely manner (prior to the EAD end date) can continue their OPT employment for up to 180 days past the OPT EAD end date while the STEM OPT I-765 is pending.

    For STEM OPT Extension: F-1 students must take 3 actions before their AUD expires:

    1. Talk to your employer to confirm if they are registered with E-verify and work with them to fill out the Form I-983 Training Plan.
    2. No more than 100 days before your EAD end date, submit a STEM OPT Extension Record in the ISSS Portal to get an updated I-20 with a STEM OPT Recommendation.
    3. Apply for STEM OPT with USCIS by filing form I-765 for Employment Authorization (EAD card) and at the same time file form I-539 for an EOS with USCIS OR travel internationally & re-enter the U.S. to secure a new AUD based on your STEM OPT requested end date plus 30 days.

    Concerns:

    • You must stop working at the 180-day point until both the EAD and the EOS are approved.
    • Students may travel while STEM OPT EAD request/EOS are pending, but travel may be risky.
    • For Extensions via Travel: After travel, your new AUD will be based on recommended or approved STEM OPT end date.
    • If you travel after your OPT EAD end date and your F-1 visa is expired: you may NOT be able to extend via travel, and you will have to file an EOS with USCIS.
      • If you leave the U.S. after your EAD end date, you can’t be approved for a new F-1 visa unless your STEM OPT EAD is approved. It’s not clear if the EAD can be approved if you do not have evidence of an EOS or re-entry with an extended AUD on your I-94 that you submit to USCIS as evidence for your STEM OPT application.
    • If you are subject to a travel ban: You would not be able to extend via travel, you will have to file an EOS with USCIS.

      General Immigration Questions

      1. Where can I find an immigration attorney?

      Please see the Emergency Immigration Resources here.

      2. Will the ISSS help me if I am denied re-entry to the United States?

      The ISSS will assist to our ability by providing advising resources for immigration assistance and academic options. Contact international@uconn.edu.

      3. What steps can I take as an international student or scholar?

      1. Ensure you are following the F-1 or J-1 regulations for your program.
      2. Update your Emergency Contact information in Student Admin.
      3. Make sure your current address and phone number are also updated in both the ISSS Portal and in Student Admin.
      4. Keep Paper Copies of Your Immigration Documents in Your Backpack, Handbag or in Your Car.
        Keep a paper copy of your immigration documents in the event your original documents are ever lost or stolen. Keeping a secure, paper copy of your immigration documents (especially your I-94 Arrival/Departure record) in your backpack or handbag that you use daily, or in the glove box of your car is a good idea in the event you are ever stopped and asked to confirm your immigration status.
      5. Keep Electronic Copies of Your Immigration Documents on Your Phone.
        In the event you are asked to confirm your immigration status, and you do not have your original or paper copies of your documents, you can access electronic copies on your smartphone or tablet.
        Option 1 – Keep an album in the photo gallery on your phone or tablet with copies of your immigration documents.
        Option 2 – Log in to the ISSS Portal to retrieve your documents.All students can log in to https://isssportal.uconn.edu/ with their NetID and password. From your user profile, under “Records”, scroll down and click on “Submit Arrival Documents”. In the “Attached Documents” section of your Submit Arrival Documents section you can open and download a copy of all the documents below.All J-1 visiting scholars can log in to the ISSS Scholar Portal. Visit: https://s.uconn.edu/scholarportal and login using your personal email and password, not your NetID. Click on the “Documents” tab, scroll down to “Submit Arrival Documents” you can access all the arrival documents that you uploaded to the ISSS Portal.