Starting September 15, new rules for international students in the US coming into effect; say: ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status’ not to exceed …
International students in the US will face new rules from September 15, 2026, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moves away from the current “duration of status” system for F-1 students. Under the new rule, F students will generally be admitted for a fixed period based on the length of their programme listed on Form I-20, the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” with the period not to exceed four years. Students who need more time may have to apply for an extension of stay or leave the US and seek a new period of admission when they return. The new rules also change requirements around programme changes, transfers and departure periods.
What changes for international students in US from September 15
Until September 15, F-1 students are generally admitted for the “duration of status” while they pursue their programme at an eligible school or complete authorised practical training.From September 15, F students will instead receive a fixed period of admission. The period will generally be based on the length of the programme listed on the student’s Form I-20. However, the admission period cannot exceed four years. Students will continue to receive 30 days before the programme start date to enter the US.They will also receive a 30-day period after completing their programme or post-completion OPT or STEM OPT to prepare for departure or seek another lawful status.
Departure period cut from 60 days to 30 days
One of the key changes for F-1 students is the shorter departure period. Previously, eligible students generally had a 60-day period after completing their programme or post-completion OPT.Under the new rule, that period will be 30 days. The 30-day period can be used to prepare for departure or seek another lawful status in the US.Form I-20 ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status’ limitThe new rule links an F student’s period of admission to the programme information on Form I-20. The official directive refers to Form I-20 as the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” For most F students, the fixed admission period can cover the length of the programme listed on the I-20, but not more than four years, along with the applicable arrival and departure periods.There are separate limits for some students.Students in English language training programmes will be limited to a 24-month period of admission, followed by a 30-day period to prepare for departure.Students attending public high schools will be limited to a total of no more than 12 months to complete their course, including school breaks and annual vacation.
What happens if students need more time
Students who need additional time to complete their current programme, start a new programme or take part in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT will have to take additional steps to remain lawfully in the US. They can apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).Before applying, students should work with their designated school official (DSO). The student will need an updated Form I-20 with the appropriate EOS recommendation. The student must then file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, pay the required fee and provide required biometrics.Students with unexpired visas can also choose to travel outside the US and seek a new period of admission from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when they return, subject to eligibility and admissibility requirements.
What if an F-1 student travels after September 15
Current F students who leave the US after the new rule takes effect may receive a new fixed period of admission when they return. The new admission will be issued by CBP based on the student’s updated SEVIS record and supporting documents, subject to the applicable requirements.The directive also provides a specific provision for students who are present in the US on September 15 and timely file for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT by March 18, 2027. These students do not need to apply for an extension of stay under that provision.
