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University of Florida

Important Update for F-1 Students

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On July 17, 2026, DHS published a final rule establishing a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure for F nonimmigrant academic students. This rule is expected to be effective on September 15, 2026, and will impact several aspects of the F-visa program regulations. Accordingly, updates to our website content are in progress.

Emailed to F-1 Students on 07/17/2026

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final regulation that significantly changes how F-1 student status will be managed in the United States. The regulation is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Although it is possible that implementation may be delayed or modified through litigation or Congressional action, please consider the regulation effective unless and until we communicate otherwise. Until September 15, 2026, the current F-1 regulations remain in effect.

Resource - Federal Register Notice: 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

Please take the time to read this email carefully.
We are sharing this information and how it specifically affects those in F-1 status now so you are aware of finalized upcoming changes that may affect your immigration status, program completion, employment authorization, and travel. Additional guidance from DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is expected. We do not have any additional information beyond what is provided below at this time.

For questions regarding how the changes affect those on the J-1 Visa, information will be forthcoming from the J-1 Exchange Visitor Services unit when available.

What Is Changing?

Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students entering or reentering the United States will no longer be admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). Instead, they will receive a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94.

Key Changes

  • Fixed Admission Period – Admit Until Date (AUD). Your authorized stay will be the earlier of:
    • The Program End Date listed on your Form I-20; or
    • Up to four years, whichever is shorter.
  • Grace Period Reduced. Students entering or reentering the United States on or after September 15, 2026, under the new rule will receive a 30-day grace period instead of the current 60-day grace period.
  • Extension of Stay (EOS) Applications. An EOS application must be submitted to USCIS using Form I-539 before your AUD expires for:
    • Completion of an academic program
    • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
    • STEM OPT Extension
  • Changes to Program, Degree Level, and Major
    • Undergraduate Students: During the first year, undergraduate students may be restricted from changing:
      • Schools (SEVIS transfer)
      • Degree level
      • Major
    • Graduate Students: Graduate students may be restricted from changing at any time:
      • Schools (SEVIS transfer)
      • Degree level
      • Major
    • Lateral or Reverse Matriculation. For example:
      • A master’s student who wishes to complete another master‘s degree may not be permitted to do so.
      • A doctoral student who chooses to complete only a master's degree may not be permitted to do so.

 

Student Employment while still in the Academic Program

To preserve eligibility for certain activities for up to 240 days while an EOS application is pending, students must submit their EOS application before the Program End Date listed on their Form I-20.
This may allow continued eligibility for:

  • On-campus employment
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  • Severe Economic Hardship employment

This 240-day extension period would not apply to:

  • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • STEM OPT Extension


USCIS Processing Considerations

Current guidance is still pending on:

  • How early an EOS application may be filed;
  • Whether Premium Processing will be available (currently not expected); and
  • How EOS applications may be filed concurrently with OPT or STEM OPT applications.

Applicants would be required to provide evidence, including but not limited to:

  • Maintenance of F-1 status and a full course of study
  • Sufficient financial support
  • A residence abroad with intent to return
  • A permissible reason for requesting additional time

Examples of permissible reasons may include:

  • Remaining academic requirements
  • Documented medical reasons
  • Conflict, natural disaster, or other significant hardships


If You Are Already in the United States

Special transition provisions apply if you:

  • Were admitted in F-1 status with D/S before September 15, 2026; and
  • Remain continuously in the United States.

If you meet these conditions:

  • You will not immediately receive a new Form I-94.
  • You may remain in the United States under your current D/S admission.
  • You will retain the current 60-day grace period.
  • You generally will not need to file an Extension of Stay unless you need to remain beyond your current Form I-20 (or for OPT or STEM OPT EAD, if applicable), or four years after September 15, 2026, whichever comes first.

If you travel internationally and reenter on or after September 15, 2026, even if you were previously in the United States before September 15, 2026, you will become subject to the new admission and grace period requirements.

Students Beginning Programs This Fall

  • Students entering or reentering the United States on or after September 15, 2026, should expect to receive a date-specific AUD on their Form I-94 and a 30-day grace period.


International Travel Considerations

International travel with entry or reentry on or after September 15, 2026, will result in the issuance of a new, date-specific AUD Form I-94 upon entry or reentry, making you subject to the new admission period and 30-day grace period.
Students should carry documentation that would typically be required when requesting an Extension of Stay, including but not limited to:

  • Maintenance of F-1 status and a full course of study
  • Sufficient financial support
  • A residence abroad with intent to return
  • A permissible reason for additional time (such as remaining academic requirements, a degree audit, documented medical reasons, conflict, natural disaster, or other significant hardships)
  • Transcript
  • Valid passport (valid at least six months beyond entry)
  • Valid F-1 visa
  • Form I-20 with a valid travel signature (valid for up to one year from the date signed, but not beyond the Program End Date listed on the Form I-20)


F-1 Students Applying for OPT or STEM OPT

We will send a separate email re. how the new regulation affects students who expect to apply for OPT or STEM OPT soon. Thank you for your patience.

What Should I Do Now?

No action is required at this time.

The UF International Center is reviewing the regulation and monitoring guidance from DHS, USCIS, CBP, and SEVP. We do not have any additional information beyond what is provided above at this time. We will provide updated information as additional guidance becomes available.