This page provides our initial review and analysis of the DHS final rule, “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” which will take effect on September 15, 2026, 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
The Office of Immigration Services (OIS) is continuously reviewing the final rule and assessing its potential impact on F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors at OU. Because of the scope and complexity of the rule, additional time may be needed before we can provide detailed guidance and establish any necessary internal procedures. We will continue to post new information and guidance on this page as it becomes available.
The rule was finalized on July 17th, 2026 and published in the Federal Register. The final rule will go into effect on September 15, 2026.
The full proposed rule is listed in the Federal Register here.
Currently, F and J students and scholars are admitted to the U.S. for “Duration of Status” (D/S), as indicated on their Form I-94 record. D/S means that students and scholars may remain in the U.S. as long as their immigration status is maintained.
The final rule will replace D/S with a specific “Admit Until Date” (AUD), based on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 program end date, not to exceed four years in the future, plus a 30-day grace period.
The “Admit Until Date (AUD)” is a fixed admission date that will replace (D/S) on the Form I-94 for F and J students and scholars, following September 15th, 2026, upon entry into the U.S.
Prior to the “Admit Until Date” (AUD), students and scholars will need to take action to extend their period of admission.
You can access your electronic I-94 record by selecting “Get Most Recent I-94/I-95” on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home
Important reminder: Current F and J nonimmigrants who do not depart the U.S. will continue to see “D/S” on their electronic I-94 record. However, they are still subject to a new fixed “Admit Until Date” (AUD) based on their program/OPT end date, or four years in the future, plus a grace period, from September 15, 2026, whichever is sooner.
Prior to the fixed admission expiration date on the Form I-94, you would need to timely file a Form I-539 extension of stay application with USCIS. The extension process would require fees and biometrics.
Reentering the U.S. after the final rule’s effective date of September 15, 2026 will subject you to changes that you would not otherwise be subject to if you had remained in the U.S. Please see the FAQ regarding current F and J nonimmigrants above for more information.
International travel is not recommended if you do not currently have a valid U.S. visa for re-entry. Visa processing times can be unpredictable, and additional security procedures may cause delays in renewing your visa.
If you are from one of the 39 designated countries and holders of Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents affected by travel restrictions, please consult with your advisor in International Student Services (ISS) or Office of Immigration Services (OIS) before making travel plans, even if your visa is valid.
Please remember that admission or re-admission to the U.S. is always at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Entry. Therefore, some degree of risk is inherent with any international travel.
If you plan to travel, ensure that you have the necessary documentation to return to the U.S. F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 travelers must verify that f their I-20s or DS-2019s has a valid travel endorsement before departing and should complete the required OU travel registration.
If you have any questions or concerns about travel, contact your advisor in International Students Services (ISS) or Office of Immigration Services (OIS) before your trip.
