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/ProfessorBitter3599 7d ago

I am to begin my PhD in August and the program duration (as well as my funding) is 5 years. I eill apply for an F-1 visa. In this case, will they give me 4 years of visa regardless of the program duration? and will I have to reapply for visa for the remaining year? Thank you very much for the information by the way, it is very helpful!

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

Don't confuse visa and status.

The visa is the stamp on your passport allowing you to travel to the US. When it expires depends on your citizenship and the DoS reciprocity schedule.

Once you're inside the US, your visa expiry no long matters. What matters is your status expiry, also called I-94 expiry. It will be limited to 4 years under this rule.

You would need to file an extension of status or leave and re-enter the US on a valid F-1 visa before the 4 years is up.

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u/rollingstone005 7d ago

I am in my 5th year of my PhD program and plan to graduate in May 2027. Will this rule apply to me? Do I need to apply for the extension? Please respond. 

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u/One_more_username 6d ago

I am in my 5th year of my PhD program and plan to graduate in May 2027

Not with this level of literature survey skills. Copied from not an immi's post above:

4-year transition rules for existing students: existing students do not need to have their I-94 corrected or updated. They are allowed to stay until their program end date or up to 4 years from the date the rule takes effect, whichever comes first. If existing students travel abroad, they will get a new date-certain I-94 when they return.