Understanding the Proposed Changes to Duration of Status

What You Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized significant changes affecting F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. Although the final rule has not yet been made public, the rule proposal that was originally announced in 2025 includes provisions that would replace the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) admission system with a fixed period of authorized stay and introduce several new immigration requirements that may affect students throughout their academic journey. As of May 2026, the rule was in the final stages before publication.

Westcliff University has been proactively preparing for these regulatory changes through a comprehensive, cross-departmental strategy. While the new requirements represent a significant shift in federal immigration policy, our teams have been working together to develop processes, resources, and individualized support to help students successfully navigate the transition. We will continue to provide timely updates and personalized guidance as implementation moves forward.

What Is Changing?

For more than 30 years, most F-1 and J-1 students were admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S), allowing them to remain in the U.S. as long as they maintained their immigration status and made normal academic progress.

Under the new regulation, students would instead receive a specific period of authorized stay, generally matching the program end date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum period established by the regulation.

If additional time is needed to complete a program, eligible students would generally be required to request an extension of stay from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Additional Key Changes Students Should Understand

Fixed Period of Admission

Rather than remaining in the U.S. under “Duration of Status,” students may now receive an admission period tied to their academic program.

Some students, particularly those in longer degree programs, may need to file an Extension of Stay (Form I-539) before their authorized stay expires.

Extension of Stay Requirements

Students who need additional time beyond their authorized admission period may be required to submit:

• Form I-539
• USCIS filing fee
• Supporting documentation
• Additional evidence requested by USCIS

Processing times may vary, making advance planning more important than ever.

Grace Period

The standard F-1 grace period following program completion may be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

Students should plan carefully for graduation, transfers, Optional Practical Training (OPT), or departure from the United States.

Academic Flexibility

The proposed regulation includes verbiage that would impose new restrictions affecting:

• Transfers between institutions
• Changes in educational objectives or majors
• Pursuing multiple programs at the same educational level

Depending on individual circumstances, certain academic changes that were previously completed through SEVIS alone may, depending on the final rule, require departure from the United States and reentry with new immigration documents.

English Language Programs

Students enrolled exclusively in English language training programs may be subject to a maximum period of admission established under the new regulation.

Employment Benefits

The proposed regulation would also change procedures affecting immigration benefits, such as:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• STEM OPT Extension
• Dependent status
• Certain employment authorization requests

Additional USCIS filings may become necessary in situations where they were not previously required.

What This Means for Current Students

First and foremost, no regulatory changes have yet been announced, and it is still unclear what the final rules will be. That being said, the final rule has been submitted to the Federal Register, and will soon be made public.

The impact of the final changes will depend on the final ruling, as well as your individual circumstances, including:

• Your current immigration status
• Your expected graduation date
• Whether you plan to apply for OPT or STEM OPT
• Whether you expect to continue into another academic program
• Whether your degree program extends beyond the standard admission period

Not every student will be affected in the same way.

Our office will work individually with students whose immigration timelines require additional planning.

How Westcliff University Will Support You

Our commitment to international students remains unchanged.

We will continue to provide:

• Individual advising
• Advance reminders before important deadlines
• Extension planning when necessary
• Workshops and information sessions
• Updated guidance as federal agencies release additional instructions
• Coordination with national immigration organizations to monitor regulatory developments

Our goal is to ensure every student understands what is required well before any action is needed.

What You Should Do Now

At this time, students should continue to:

• Maintain full-time enrollment unless otherwise authorized
• Keep passport and immigration documents valid
• Monitor university email regularly
• Attend immigration workshops and information sessions
• Contact International Student Services before making changes to your academic plans

Students should not make immigration decisions based solely on information found online or on social media. Individual circumstances matter, and our office is available to provide guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Our International Student Success Advisors are committed to helping you successfully navigate these changes.

If you have questions about how the new regulation may affect your individual situation, please contact us directly.