Good News: Your Current F-1 or J-1 Status Rules Have Not Changed

By D. Kehau Paulo

Photo by Kit (formerly ConvertKit) on Unsplash

A new immigration rule was expected to change how long many international students and exchange visitors could stay in the United States. However, a federal court has temporarily stopped that rule from taking effect.

For now, there is no change to the current Duration of Status system for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.

What Is Duration of Status?

Duration of Status” is often written as D/S on an I-94 record.

In simple terms, D/S means that your allowed stay in the United States is connected to your student or exchange visitor status. You may remain in the United States while you are following the rules of your F-1 or J-1 status, completing your program, and using any approved period after your program, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), when applicable.

For F-1 students, this usually includes the 60-day grace period after completing your academic program or authorized OPT.

What Was the Proposed Change?

The new rule would have ended the current D/S system.

Instead of being admitted for “Duration of Status,” students and exchange visitors would have been given a specific end date for their stay in the United States. The end date would generally have been connected to the program end date on the student’s or scholar’s immigration document, but it could not be longer than four years.

Students who needed more time could have been required to apply to the U.S. government for an extension of stay. The rule also could have made it more difficult for some students to transfer schools, change educational goals, or continue into another program.

What Happened in Court?

On September 14, 2026, a federal judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction. This means the court temporarily blocked the rule while the legal case continues.

Because of this decision, the new rule cannot take effect right now. The longstanding Duration of Status system remains in place nationwide.

What This Means for You

At this time, you do not need to take any new action because of this proposed rule.

Continue to follow the normal requirements for your F-1 or J-1 status:

  • Stay enrolled as required by your immigration status.

  • Make normal progress toward your academic program.

  • Keep your immigration documents current.

  • Contact ISSC before dropping below full-time enrollment, withdrawing, taking a leave of absence, transferring schools, changing your academic program, beginning employment, or traveling outside the United States.

  • Email or schedule an appointment with your Immigration Student Advisor if you have questions.

What Happens Next?

The court case is still continuing. The U.S. government may appeal the court’s decision, and there may be future updates.

ISSC will continue to monitor this issue and share information if anything changes. We understand that immigration news can feel stressful. Please remember that the current Duration of Status system remains in place unless and until there is a new update.

Questions?

If you have questions about how this information may affect your F-1 or J-1 status, email the International Student and Scholar Center at issc@weber.edu or schedule an appointment with a Designated School Official (DSO).

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Immigration rules and court cases can change. ISSC can help you understand your individual situation.

Sources and Resources

Updated: September 30, 2026