DHS Final Rule: Key Regulatory Changes and Updates

Understanding the Transition to Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule in the Federal Register that makes significant changes to the immigration regulations for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and F-2 and J-2 dependents. The final rule introduces several notable changes, including replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed period of admission, establishing new Extension of Stay (EOS) procedures, and placing new limitations on changes to educational objectives and transfers between schools.

The final rule is currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Until that date, the current F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations remain in effect. Federal agencies are still developing implementation guidance, and additional information will be updated here as it becomes available.

Important: This page provides general information and does not replace individualized immigration advising. Keep in mind that:

• Current immigration regulations remain in effect until September 15, 2026.
• Additional guidance is still expected from federal agencies. Information on this page is subject to change without notice.
• If you have questions about how the final rule may affect your specific situation, contact the Center for Global Engagement for an appointment before making changes to your academic program, travel plans, or immigration status. Please note that a scheduled appointment with a DSO is required for any discussions related to how the final rule may impact your unique situation.

Explore the Final Rule

Learn about the final rule by reviewing the following resources:

• Federal Register notice containing the final rule.
• Frequently asked questions from DHS about the final rule.
• DHS Quick Facts on the final rule.

What Is Changing?

The final rule changes how the government determines the period of time an F-1 student is authorized to remain in the U.S.

Under the current system, F-1 students are generally admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). Beginning September 15, 2026, students entering the U.S. may instead be admitted for a fixed period of time, which will be reflected on the student's Form I-94 as an Admit Until Date (AUD).

This means your I-94 will become an especially important document to monitor and retain.

Key Changes for F-1 Students

1. Fixed Period of Admission

Under the current immigration regulations, F-1 students are generally admitted for Duration of Status (D/S) as long as they maintain their F-1 status and follow the requirements of their program.

Beginning September 15, 2026, students entering the U.S. will receive a specific fixed period of admission, reflected as an Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94.

Generally, F-1 students will be admitted until the earlier of:

• the program end date listed on the Form I-20, or
• four years from the date of admission plus the applicable grace period, or

What this means for you:

• Check your I-94 after every entry into the U.S.
• Know your Admit Until Date.
• Keep track of your program end date on your Form I-20.
• Send updated copies of your I-94 to international@elgin.edu each time you travel outside the U.S.
• Contact the Center for Global Engagement well in advance if you may need additional time to complete your program.

2. Your I-94 Becomes More Important

Your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, documents your admission to the U.S. and, under the new rule, will show your Admit Until Date.

After traveling internationally and returning to the U.S., you should always review your I-94 to make sure your information is correct.

Make it a habit to:

1. Retrieve your I-94 after any international travel.
2. Review your Admit Until Date during your academic program.

   Ensure the most recent copy of your I-94 is on file with ECC. Send updated copies of your I-94 to international@elgin.edu each time you travel outside the U.S.

   • Contact the Center for Global Engagement well in advance if you may need additional time to complete your program before your AUD expires.

Do not assume that the expiration date on your visa or the end date on your I-20 is the same as your authorized period of stay. Your I-94 should be reviewed after each entry to the U.S. Students who need additional time to remain in the U.S. must take appropriate action before their AUD expires. Failing to do so may result in the loss of lawful status, accumulation of unlawful presence, and other immigration consequences.

3. Extension of StayCheck your I-94 after every entry

Under the final rule, some F-1 students who need additional time in the U.S. may need to request an Extension of Stay (EOS) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before their AUD expires.

For example, an extension may become relevant if:

• You need additional time to complete your academic program at ECC and have a compelling, qualifying reason for the extension.
• You begin a new program after completing your current program. For example, if you were admitted for studies in the Intensive English Program and then plan to pursue an associate level degree after your AUD expires, you will need to request an EOS.
• You transition to post-completion OPT.
• You complete your program of study at ECC and plan to transfer to a higher educational level at another U.S. institution.

If you think you will need additional time, contact the Center for Global Engagement well in advance of your AUD expiration date. Do not wait until the last minute! You will need to plan accordingly to file a timely EOS.

This page will be updated as more information from federal agencies becomes available on EOS procedures.

4. Changes to Academic Program, Educational Objective, and Educational Level

The final rule establishes new requirements and limitations for F-1 students who want to change their academic program, major, or educational level. Under the final rule, an F-1 student studying at the undergraduate level is restricted to the following:

• You cannot change educational levels during your first year of study, unless SEVP authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.
• You cannot change your major/program of study during your first year of study, unless SEVP authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.
• You cannot transfer to another school during the first year of a program of study and must complete your first year at the school that initially issued your Form I-20, unless SEVP authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.
• If you are enrolled in a program at the associate level or higher, you will be unable to transfer to ECC to begin a program at a lower level (e.g. moving from a bachelor’s level to an associate level).

The regulations on changing academic programs, educational objectives, or educational levels goes into effect September 15, 2026 for all F-1 students, including those F-1 students in the U.S. prior to the rule’s effective date.

These changes are especially important for community college student who may plan to:

• Change their major or academic program;
• Add or change a certificate or degree program;
• Complete an associate degree and continue to a bachelor's degree;
• Begin another program after completing an ECC program; or
• Transfer to another institution to continue their education.

Before changing your academic program, major, or educational level, you must meet with a DSO to confirm your eligibility. Do not make changes to your academic plan, major, or educational objective based solely on the assumption that the change will be permitted under your F-1 status. It is your responsibility to maintain your status and communicate any requested changes to your academic advisor and DSO.

5. Transferring to or from ECC

The final rule establishes new requirements for F-1 students who transfer between SEVP-certified schools. Generally, students who change educational objectives or transfer to another school must have completed their first academic year at the school that initially issued their Form I-20, unless an exception is authorized by SEVP. Students must also be maintaining F-1 status and meet other eligibility requirements.

Transferring Out of ECC

If you plan to transfer from ECC to another U.S. college or university, contact the Center for Global Engagement at least one semester in advance and before completing the transfer process.

Your transfer plans may be affected by:

• How long you have been enrolled at ECC;
• Whether you have completed the required academic year;
• Whether you are maintaining F-1 status;
• Your current academic level and program;
• Whether you are changing your educational objective; and
• The timing of your transfer and the start date at your new school.

More information will be provided on transferring out as it become available from federal agencies.

Transferring to ECC

If you are currently an F-1 student at another U.S. institution and want to transfer to ECC, contact the Center for Global Engagement before ending your enrollment at your current school.

You must maintain your F-1 status and meet the requirements for transferring your SEVIS record to ECC. Additional requirements may apply depending on your academic history, educational objective, and timing of the transfer.

Do not withdraw from your current school or stop attending classes until you have spoken with a DSO and understand how the transfer will affect your F-1 status.

6. Optional Practical Training

The final rule also changes aspects of the relationship between Optional Practical Training (OPT) and an F-1 student's period of authorized stay.

OPT is particularly important for ECC students who plan to complete an eligible associate degree program and gain practical experience related to their field of study after graduation.

F-1 students who need additional time to engage in post-completion OPT must take additional steps to remain lawfully present in the United States. You must request an EOS from your DSO, if necessary, and apply for an EOS with USCIS. When applying for an EOS with USCIS, you must complete and timely file the Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” pay the required fee and provide required biometrics. For additional information about the EOS process, refer to the Final Rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stray Procedure Frequently Asked Question page and USCIS extension of stay resources.

F-1 students currently in the United States admitted under D/S may remain in the United States without applying for an EOS up to the Program End Date on their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” or the end of their post-completion OPT that is valid on the final rule’s effective date, not to exceed Nov. 14, 2030 (four years, plus a 60-day departure period). Note: this applies only if you do not travel outside the U.S. after September 15, 2026.

You must apply for an EOS with USCIS if you wish to remain in the U.S. beyond this date, including if additional time is needed to engage in post-completion OPT. Alternatively, you may travel and seek readmission with a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to begin a new program of study or engage in OPT. Risks associated with international travel should be carefully considered for any pending OPT application.

If you are considering OPT, you should carefully review the requirements and work closely with your DSO. Do not assume that an approved OPT application automatically determines your immigration status or authorized period of stay.

Additional federal guidance regarding implementation of these changes is expected.

7. F-2 Dependents

The final rule also affects the F-2 dependents of F-1 students. F-2 dependents include the F-1 student's spouse and unmarried children under age 21.

An F-2 dependent's authorized period of stay generally cannot exceed the authorized period of stay of the principal F-1 student. If you, as an F-1 student, need to request an Extension of Stay, the F-2 dependents may also need to take action to extend their status.

If you have F-2 dependents, it is important to consider their immigration status when making changes to your academic program, requesting an extension of stay, or making other changes that may affect your F-1 status.

8. Travel and Reentry

International travel will require additional attention under the final rule. When you return to the U.S. after international travel, your I-94 will reflect your new admission period and Admit Until Date (AUD).

After every entry:

• Retrieve your I-94. Send a copy to international@elgin.edu.
• Confirm your Admit Until Date.
• Verify that information is accurate.
• Contact the Center for Global Engagement if something does not appear correct.

F-1 students and dependents who are subject to the transition from D/S to the fixed admission period should also pay close attention to federal guidance regarding travel after September 15, 2026.

9. Grace Period After Completion of Program of Study

The final rule changes the F-1 grace period from 60 days to 30 days for students admitted or readmitted to the United States under the new fixed-period admission system beginning September 15, 2026.

• If you are a current F-1 student who is in the United States in D/S status on September 15, 2026: Students who are properly maintaining F-1 status when the rule takes effect will transition under special provisions. You may generally remain in the United States through the earlier of your I-20 program end date or four years after the effective date not to exceed Nov. 14, 2030 (four years, plus a 60-day departure period).
• If you are a current F-1 student who is covered by the transition provision and leaves the U.S. and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026: You will no longer remain under the D/S transition provisions. Upon re-entry, CBP will issue a new Form I-94 with a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD). Your admission will generally be based on the program end date on the Form I-20, up to the four-year maximum, plus a 30-day departure period.

You should carefully consider international travel after September 15, 2026, particularly if you are approaching the end of your program. If you travel and re-enter after the effective rule date, you will lose the benefit of the 60-day transition grace period and instead be subject to the 30-day grace period under the new fixed-admission system.

Transition Rules for Students Already in the U.S.

The final rule includes transition provisions for certain F-1 students who are already in the U.S. before the effective date and who were admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). This means not every ECC F-1 student will necessarily be affected in the same way or at the same time.

The application of the transition provisions may depend on factors such as:

• When you entered the U.S.;
• Your current F-1 status;
• Your I-94;
• Your academic program;
• Your travel history; and
• Whether you have an application or immigration benefit pending.

If you are a current F-1 student admitted for D/S and remain present in the U.S. on the rule’s effective date: You may remain in the U.S. without applying for an EOS up to the Program End Date on your Form I-20 or the end of your post-completion OPT that is valid on the final rule’s effective date, not to exceed Nov. 14, 2030 (four years, plus a 60-day departure period). You must apply for an EOS if you wish to remain in the United States beyond this date, including if additional time is needed to begin a new program of study or engage in post-completion OPT. Alternatively, you may travel and seek readmission with a new period of admission to begin a new program of study.

If you are a current F-1 student who travels (e.g. depart the U.S.) after the final rule’s effective date: Upon returning to the United States, you may be admitted with a new fixed period of admission, which is the Program End Date on your Form I-20, up to a maximum of four years (plus a 30-day departure period).

If you are a current F-1 student admitted for D/S admitted for duration of status who is present in the U.S. 60 days when the final rule takes effect on Sept. 15, 2026, and who timely filed for post-completion OPT by March 18, 2027: You do not need to file a separate application for an EOS.

• If you are travel outside the U.S. before filing for post-completion OPT and are readmitted into the U.S. with a fixed period of admission: You must file both an EOS application and an application for post-completion OPT.
• If you are the beneficiary of a timely filed cap-subject H-1B petition and are eligible for a “cap-gap” extension: You do not need to apply for an EOS and may remain in the United States in F-1 status until the approval of the H-1B petition or April 1 of the fiscal year for which H1-B status is being requested, whichever comes first.

Preparing for the Final Rule

There is no need to panic or make unnecessary changes to your academic plans. However, this is a good time to become familiar with the new requirements and make sure your immigration documents are up to date.

Checklist:

• Know your documents. Keep your passport, visa, Form I-20, and I-94 accessible.
• Keep your passport updated at all times.
• Check your I-94 after international travel.
• Know your program end date on your Form I-20.
• Maintain your F-1 status by following all requirements for enrollment, employment, and reporting changes.
• Plan ahead if you may need additional time to complete your program.
• Talk with a DSO before changing your academic program or making plans to transfer out to another school.
• Contact the Center for Global Engagement before making immigration decisions based on information you see online or on social media.

What ECC is Doing

ECC is closely monitoring implementation of the DHS final rule and guidance from federal agencies, including DHS, USCIS, SEVP, and CBP. Because additional implementation guidance is expected, this information will be updated as new information becomes available.

Remember

The Final rule is currently scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026.

Until that date, the current F-1 regulations remain in effect.

The most important thing you can do is stay informed, maintain your F-1 status, monitor your immigration documents, and contact the Center for Global Engagement when you have questions.

Last updated: 08/14/2026