Immigration

Immigration paperwork can be time-consuming, and in many cases, processing times are out of the university's control. Please start the process as soon as possible, as waiting until the last minute to contact us with questions or needs can be problematic.

While you are welcome to come to our office at any time, we encourage you to make an appointment by emailing [email protected]. Please also email us at that address with inquiries or questions.

Immigration Updates

Last Updated: October 2026

This page provides important information for F-1 and J-1 international students regarding Duration of Status (D/S), fixed admission periods, program extensions, employment, academic rules, international travel, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and immigration compliance.

Expand/Collapse All

Federal Court Orders Preliminary Injunction: Current D/S Rules Remain Active

Good News for Students (As of September 2026): A federal district court judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Presidents' Alliance v. DHS, pausing the implementation of the Duration of Status rule. Your existing D/S status and procedures remain in effect while litigation continues.

What Is Preserved Under the Injunction?

Form I-94 Duration of Status (D/S): F-1 and J-1 students continue to be admitted for "D/S" without a fixed end date on I-94.
DSO-Administered Extensions: Extensions of stay are processed directly through your university DSO/ARO in SEVIS.
Standard Grace Periods: F-1 students retain the 60-day post-completion grace period (J-1 retains 30 days).
Academic Flexibility: Normal major changes and school transfers remain governed by legacy SEVIS procedures.

Why You Need to Understand the Rule

Litigation Outcome Dependent: The preliminary injunction is temporary pending final court appeals or trial rulings.
Preparedness: If higher courts lift the injunction, DHS could implement the fixed-date system on short notice.
Future Re-Entries: Re-entering the U.S. after any future rule activation could immediately assign a fixed Admit Until Date.
Proactive Planning: Knowing the new rules lets you plan academic milestones, travel, and extensions safely.

DHS Policy Replaces Indefinite D/S Stay with Fixed Admit Until Date (AUD)

Policy Feature	Current Rule (Duration of Status)	DHS Final Rule (Fixed Admission)
Form I-94 Expiration	Marked as "D/S" (valid for full duration of academic program + grace period).	Marked with a fixed "Admit Until Date" (AUD) equal to the program end date, capped at 4 years max.
Grace Period After Completion	60 days for F-1 visa holders to depart, transfer, or change status (30 days for J-1).	30 days for F-1 visa holders to depart, transfer, or apply for EOS (30 days for J-1).
Program Extension Process	Processed directly in SEVIS by your university DSO/ARO without government filing fees.	Requires filing formal Form I-539 Extension of Stay with USCIS + $420/$470 fee or departing the U.S.

Staying Past Fixed Date Requires Form I-539

1. How to File Form I-539

Filing Window: Must be submitted to USCIS before your Form I-94 AUD expires.
USCIS Filing Fees: $420 for online submission; $470 for paper filing.
Biometrics: USCIS may require biometrics appointments ($85 fee if applicable).
Document Needs: Requires updated DSO I-20/DS-2019 justification + financial proof.

2. Filing During Grace Period

Lawful Stay Allowed: Filing during the 30-day grace period maintains lawful presence while pending.
NO Work Authorization: Filing during the grace period DOES NOT grant 240-day work protection.
Work Freeze: All employment authorization immediately stops on your program end date.
Recommendation: Always request DSO program extension and file Form I-539 BEFORE program end date.

New Regulations Introduce Lock-Ins for Majors, School Transfers & Degree Progression

1. Graduate Major & Transfer Lock-In

F-1 Graduate Students cannot change educational objectives (majors/degree levels) or transfer schools during their graduate program.
Strict Prohibition: Requires completing the current program or leaving the U.S. before starting a new graduate objective.

2. Undergraduate 1st-Year Lock-In

F-1 Undergraduates cannot change majors, change degree levels, or transfer institutions during their first academic year.
Limited SEVP Exceptions: Only allowed for extraordinary extenuating circumstances approved by SEVP.

3. Upward-Only Degree Progression

Prohibits pursuing a second program at the same or a lower educational level after rule implementation.
Example: An F-1 student completing a Master's degree cannot enroll in a second Master's or a second Bachelor's degree.

4. English Language Training Cap

Language Training Programs are capped at an aggregate maximum lifetime duration of 24 months.
Enforcement: Time spent in previous English language programs counts toward the 24-month cap.

Current Students Retain Legacy D/S; International Travel Triggers Automatic AUD Conversion

Transition Protections for Current Students

Legacy D/S Preserved: F/J students physically in the U.S. prior to the implementation date keep D/S status up to the program end date.
Transition Cap Dates: D/S protection expires on program end date or transition cap (Nov 14, 2030 for F-1 / Oct 15, 2030 for J-1).
OPT / STEM OPT Exemption: F-1 students in D/S who timely file Form I-765 for OPT/STEM OPT are exempt from filing a separate Form I-539 EOS.
60-Day Grace Period: Currently enrolled grandfathered students retain the 60-day post-completion grace period.

Critical International Travel Advisory

Automatic Conversion Trigger: Departing the U.S. and re-entering after rule implementation immediately terminates legacy D/S.
Fixed AUD Assigned: Re-entry stamps a fixed Admit Until Date on your Form I-94 and converts your grace period to 30 days.
Travel Risk During Litigation: If traveling abroad while legal stays are being appealed, you risk returning under fixed AUD rules.

Step 1: Inspect Form I-94

Download your official I-94 after every U.S. entry at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
Confirm whether it states "D/S" or a specific fixed date.
Report any date discrepancies to your DSO immediately.

Step 2: Track I-20 / DS-2019

Monitor program end dates on your I-20 or DS-2019 closely.
Request program extensions 6 months before expiration.
Do not allow documents to expire before submitting an extension.

Step 3: Consult Before Changes

Speak with DSO before changing majors, degree levels, or schools.
Avoid second degree programs at the same or lower level.
Verify CPT/OPT application windows early.

Step 4: Plan Travel Carefully

Review travel plans with international office advisors.
Ensure valid visa stamp, passport (6+ mo), and signed I-20/DS-2019.
Understand reentry impacts on your status.

Where to Get Official Assistance and Up-to-Date Immigration Information

University Support & Contacts

Designated School Officials (DSOs) & Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs): Your official campus authority for SEVIS and immigration advice.
Consult legal aid or qualified legal counsel for personalized immigration advice.
Key Reminder: Never rely on social media or unverified forums for immigration legal guidance.

Official References & Sources

DHS Final Rule: 90 Federal Register 44976 (Establishing Fixed Admission Periods for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants).
Court Litigation: Presidents' Alliance et al. v. DHS (U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts).
Official Guidance: American Immigration Council , Duane Morris LLP Legal Alerts, and University ISS Bulletins.
Official Portals: Official I-94 Retrieval & USCIS Online Account Portal.

First DHS Broadcast Message

August 12, 2026

Reminder: Make CPT an integral part of the curriculum.
Reminder that DSOs and the university certify eligibility and can face legal consequences if they do not do so correctly.
These are not work opportunities or solely for employment; they are designed to enhance training and are required to complete a degree.

Second DHS Broadcast Message

August 24, 2026

Clearly defines CPT requirements for universities.
CPT must be integral to the curriculum and a requirement to graduate.
CPT employers must have a cooperative agreement with the university established.
CPT cannot be optional or considered an elective (ELR).

A foreign student may be authorized by a DSO to participate in a CPT program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined as alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.

Issues Regarding CPT

There are no cooperative agreements in place except for a few in the counseling services major.
The pause is necessary to align with new federal regulations.
We hope to have more information by spring 2027.
Issuing CPT without aligning with these new rules could lead to legal action against the DSO and the loss of the school's SEVIS certification.

Updating Your Address

All international students must provide WORLD: The David and Leighan Rinker Center for International Learning with a current mailing address at least once per semester and every time they change their address. Please monitor your university-provided email account for notifications from our office, and set a reminder to update your address.