Status Issues


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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 was expected to be effective on September 15, 2026, to impact several aspects of the F-visa program regulations. However, on the evening of September 14, 2026, a U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction regarding the changes to Duration of Status (D/S), temporarily blocking the D/S rule from taking effect on September 15, 2026, while the underlying lawsuit continues. The injunction does not constitute a final decision in the underlying lawsuit. Accordingly, our website may be updated if and when the changes take effect.

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.