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University of Florida

Important Update on Upcoming Changes to J-1 Duration of Status

UFIC Exchange Visitor Services announced a significant upcoming change that will affect how J-1 students are admitted to and remain in the United States. The new policy is currently expected to take effect on September 15, 2026. However, federal agencies have not yet released complete implementation guidance, and some details may change as additional information becomes available. At this time, EVS is sharing what is currently known and what actions you should consider taking.

What Changed?

The federal government has announced changes to the way J-1 students will be admitted to the United States.

Currently, J-1 visa holders are admitted for Duration of Status (D/S), which allows them to remain in the United States as long as they maintain their J-1 status and comply with program requirements.

Beginning September 15, 2026, J-1 students will receive a specific "Admit Until Date" on their I-94 rather than D/S. In general, the authorized stay will be based on the program end date listed on the Form DS-2019 (plus a 30-day grace period), or up to four years, whichever is shorter.

Individuals who need additional time beyond their authorized period of stay may be required to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS. Program extensions through EVS and issuance of an updated DS-2019 are still required; the EOS process will be an additional step.


How Will This Affect You?

The impact will vary depending on your circumstances.

You may be more directly affected if you:

  • Need additional time to complete your academic program.
  • Anticipate extending your academic program or participating in Academic Training.
  • Plan to travel internationally on or after September 15, 2026.

One of the most important changes involves international travel. Individuals who re-enter the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will receive a new Form I-94 containing a specific "Admit Until" date rather than Duration of Status (D/S).


Changes to Program, Degree Level, and Major

Additional restrictions are expected for graduate students. Under the anticipated policy, graduate students will face limitations on making certain academic changes after beginning their program.

The following will be prohibited:

  • Transferring to another institution (SEVIS transfer)
  • Changing degree levels
  • Changing majors
  • Lateral or reverse matriculation, such as changing from a doctoral program to a master's program before completing the doctoral degree

Because federal agencies have not yet released complete implementation guidance, it is unclear how these restrictions will be applied in all situations. However, students who are considering any of these changes should consult with EVS before making academic decisions that could affect their immigration status.


Transition Rules

At this time, special transition provisions are established for individuals who:

  • Were admitted to the United States before September 15, 2026, and
  • Do not travel internationally after that date.

If you meet both conditions as of September 15, 2026, you may continue your studies through the end date on your DS-2019 plus a 30-day grace period, as long as the end date on your DS-2019 is on or before September 14, 2030

If your end date is after September 14, 2030, then your authorized stay ends on October 14, 2030 (four years from September 15, 2026, plus a 30-day grace period), and you will be required to apply for an Extension of Stay to remain after that date to finish your program.

In either case, you would not receive a new I-94 with a specific "Admit Until Date" unless you depart the United States and re-enter.

However, if you travel internationally on or after September 15, 2026, you will become subject to the new admission procedures upon re-entry.

Because this transition provision may significantly affect how and when the new rules apply to you, travel decisions made after September 15, 2026, may have important immigration consequences. Speak with an EVS advisor or an immigration attorney when planning travel.


What Should You Do Now?

EVS recommends that you:

  • Review your current DS-2019 end date and understand your expected timeline for program completion.
  • Consider whether you expect to need a future program extension, Academic Training authorization, or additional time to complete degree requirements.
  • Carefully evaluate any international travel planned for September 15, 2026, or later.
  • Continue maintaining your J-1 status and keeping your immigration documents up to date.
  • Monitor communications from EVS for additional guidance.


Extensions Before September 15, 2026

Individuals whose program extensions are fully processed before September 15, 2026, will not be required to apply for an Extension of Stay to remain in the United States through the new end date.

To allow sufficient processing time, EVS strongly encourages anyone requiring a program extension to submit the necessary request no later than August 31, 2026.


When and How Will You Hear More?

EVS expects additional guidance from DOS, DHS, and USCIS over the coming weeks. As that information becomes available, EVS will provide updates and more detailed instructions.

You can expect:

  • Additional email communications from EVS.
  • Updated guidance on EVS websites and resources.
  • Q&A opportunities.

To address immediate questions:

  • EVS Director Luis Johnson will host a Zoom Q&A session on July 22 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
  • Fragomen attorney Andrea Huerta-Rodriguez will join the IFAS quarterly meeting on July 28 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. All are welcome to attend.

(The respective Zoom links will be sent via email.)

At this time, UFIC-EVS does not have additional information beyond what is provided above. As soon as further guidance becomes available, we will share it with you.