On July 16, 2026, the Trump Administration announced that it plans to publish a final rule seeking to “end foreign student visa abuse” and crack down on perceived abuse and fraud within the F-1, Student visa classification. 

We can expect the final rule to be published in the coming days. Additional updates will be posted to this website once we have reviewed the final rule. Once published, the rule will go into effect 60 days later.

As of now, the Department of Homeland Security has announced the following changes can be expected:

End of Duration of Status

The final rule ends the I-94 admission period of “duration of status (D/S)” for foreign students (F Classification), exchange visitors (J Classification), and media representatives (I Classification).  

Duration of status has traditionally allowed those with F, J, and I visas to remain in the United States so long as they maintain their nonimmigrant status in the US after each entry. Under the new rule, students and exchange visitors will be admitted only for the length of their specific program and not to exceed a period of four years.

Anyone in the United States in duration of status (D/S) at the time of the rule change will be automatically converted to the new system. They can expect their period of admission to be updated to be a maximum of four years from the effective date of the rule. 

Extension of Status Filing Requirement

Those needing a longer amount of time to complete their program will be required to formally apply for an extension of status with USCIS by filing a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Previously, programs could be extended by obtaining a new Form I-20 from the university at which the student is studying.

This change will require students to pay filing fees to USCIS and likely undergo biometric screening (fingerprints and a photo) for security and background checks.

At time of writing, filing fees for a Form I-539 are $470 for paper filing/$420 for online filing. Premium Processing is available for change of status to F-1, Student for a fee of $2,075. 

Reduced Departure Grace Period

Under the new rule, the grace period for F-1 students to prepare to return home, transfer schools, or change status following graduation is reduced from 60 days to 30 days. 

This significantly shorter timeframe will add pressure onto students who are still deciding on their next steps at the time of their graduation.

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Additional updates will be posted to this site once available.  Contact the Law Offices of James D. Eiss today with any questions you may have.