Status Issues


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.

When situations arise that result in a visa status violation, there are limited options to resolving the problem.  The most common options are to travel and re-enter with a new SEVIS record, or to apply for Reinstatement in the U.S. In cases where a resolution is not possible, the F-1 student needs to depart the U.S.