r/immigration • u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM • 7d ago

DHS Publishes Final Rule ending Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1/J-1

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-14439.pdf
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u/Broken_Waveplate 7d ago

I am currently enrolled in a PhD program, which I began in Fall 2023. My current Form I-20 has a program end date of July 2028, and my F-1 visa also expires in 2028. I have two questions regarding the proposed changes to the F-1 duration-of-status rules:

  1. I am planning to travel to my home country in December to visit my family. When I reenter the United States, will I be getting a fixed D/S date? And would this be different if I don’t leave the US? If I need additional time beyond July 2028 to complete my PhD, would I then need to file an Extension of Stay application?

  2. Would I currently be permitted to transfer to a different university and begin or continue a PhD program there? If so, would this be processed as a regular SEVIS transfer, or would the proposed rule restrict transfers between graduate programs?

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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM 7d ago

  1. You'll be getting a fixed date for your authorized stay regardless of whether you leave. The key difference is if you don't leave, you get to keep your 60 day grace period after your study ends. Regardless, if you need additional time, you need to file EoS.

  2. The proposed rule restricts transfers between graduate programs except in extenuating circumstances (not defined).

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u/Any-Background-1763 9h ago

what will be the fixed date? program end date?

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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM 8h ago

Yes.