F-1 Students Face I-94 Rule Change in 2026
A new rule ending duration-of-status for F-1 students takes effect September 15, 2026. Current students with 'D/S' I-94s will not automatically get a new expiration date that day, but transition protections are limited and the outside transition date is generally November 14, 2030. Travel after September 15, 2026, may trigger admission under the new fixed-period system.
The U.S. government's new fixed-period-of-admission rule for F-1 students is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. According to guidance from Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm, most current students will not automatically receive a new I-94 expiration date when the rule begins.
Under the new system, the longstanding "duration of status" (D/S) admission for F-1 students will be replaced. Students will instead be admitted for a fixed period tied to their program end date. This represents a significant policy shift for international student visa management.
Transition Provisions for Current Students
For F-1 students maintaining valid status with an I-94 marked D/S when the rule takes effect, there is a transition period. The Murthy Law Firm states these individuals will not automatically receive a new date-specific I-94 on September 15, 2026. However, this protection is not permanent.
The outside transition date for most F nonimmigrants is generally November 14, 2030. This date is linked to a student's program or employment authorization end date. The guidance clarifies that the transition provisions are limited in scope.
Impact of Travel After the Change
A key factor triggering the new system will be international travel. The law firm advises that any travel and reentry to the United States after September 15, 2026, may result in admission under the new fixed-period rules. This means a returning student would likely receive an I-94 with a specific expiration date instead of D/S.
This creates a crucial consideration for students planning trips abroad after the rule's effective date. Their admission terms upon return would be governed by the new framework.
Understanding the Fixed-Period Rule
The move from duration of status to a fixed admission period aims to create a more defined regulatory structure. The Murthy Law Firm's analysis, dated September 1, 2026, provides this clarification for students concerned about their status. The firm emphasizes that the answer to the automatic I-94 update is "generally, no."
Students should monitor their specific program end dates and any authorized post-completion work periods. These dates will influence their individual transition timeline under the new policy set to begin in 2026.
