DHS Updates for F-1 & J-1

What is Duration of Status (D/S)?

The current admission system allows most F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors to remain in the United States as long as they maintain their immigration status. For admissions on or after Sept. 15, 2026, D/S will be replaced with a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD).

The Admit Until Date is a nonimmigrant's maximum period of admission to the United States and is the last day the individual is authorized to remain in the country. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors cannot remain lawfully in the United States beyond their AUD and must depart the country or take action to maintain status before the AUD expires.

Students can locate their Admit Until Date on their Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, available through the Form I-94 website.

What is Extension of Stay (EOS)?

If additional time beyond the Admit Until Date is needed to complete a program, begin a new program of study or participate in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, students must apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS).

The Extension of Stay request must be filed with and received by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the student's Form I-94 expires. Students applying for an EOS must timely file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, pay the required fee and complete any required biometrics or interview.

Alternatively, students may depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection when they reenter the country.

Will the new rule affect my academics?

It depends. The new rule includes restrictions on when and which F-1 students may change their major, transfer to another school or change educational levels.

F-1 students enrolled in programs below the graduate level cannot change their major or educational level during their first year of study unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) authorizes an exception because of extenuating circumstances.

F-1 students enrolled in programs at the graduate level or above cannot change their major or educational level at any point during their program of study.

Additionally, F-1 students are prohibited from changing to a program at a lower educational level, such as moving from a master's program to a bachelor's program, or changing to another program at the same educational level, such as moving from one bachelor's program to another bachelor's program.

How does this affect OPT/STEM OPT?

Students who maintain their immigration status and successfully complete their program at Texas Tech University remain eligible to apply for or continue employment under Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT.

Because post-completion employment may extend beyond a student's initial period of admission, many students may eventually need to obtain another lawful period of authorized stay.

Can I still travel?

Although international travel always carries risks, students may continue to travel as normal before the new rule takes effect on Sept. 15, 2026.

If you depart the United States and are admitted again on or after Sept. 15, 2026, you will generally receive a new Form I-94 with an Admit Until Date instead of Duration of Status and will be subject to the new reduced grace period.

What should I do now? What if I have more questions?

Review the end date, major, level of study and all other information on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 and in your ISSS Portal.

If you and your academic advisor agree that you cannot graduate by the program end date listed on your document, apply for an extension through the ISSS Portal as soon as possible. If any information on your Form I-20, DS-2019 or ISSS Portal record is incorrect, submit a request through the ISSS Portal to have it corrected.

If you are currently traveling outside the United States, make sure you return for the beginning of fall classes on Aug. 24, 2026, and before the new rule takes effect on Sept. 15, 2026, to avoid receiving a fixed Admit Until Date upon reentry and to maintain your current Duration of Status admission.

Continue to regularly check your email and the Office of International Affairs website for updates. ISSS will provide additional guidance as the new rule is implemented.

For questions about your individual immigration record or circumstances, contact your international advisor.