Important Updates for International Students

New DHS Rule Eliminates F-1 Duration of Status (D/S) Effective September 15, 2026

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published significant regulatory changes on July 17, 2026 that will impact F-1 students and their F-2 dependents. The new rule, titled Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.

Under the new rule, F-1 students entering the United States after September 15, 2026 will receive an "Admit Until Date" (AUD) on their Form I-94 rather than being admitted for "Duration of Status" (D/S). This represents one of the most significant changes to F-1 immigration regulations in decades.

The Office of International Student Services & Global Programming at Curry College is actively reviewing these changes and will continue to provide updates as additional guidance becomes available.

What Is Changing?

For more than 30 years, F-1 students have generally been admitted to the United States for "Duration of Status" (D/S), allowing them to remain in the country as long as they maintained their F-1 status and complied with immigration regulations. 
Beginning September 15, 2026:

• F-1 students will receive a specific expiration date on their I-94 record.
• The expiration date will generally correspond to the program end date listed on the Form I-20, plus a 30-day grace period.
• Admissions will generally be limited to a maximum of four years at a time.
• Students needing additional time may need to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay or depart and re-enter the United States before their admission period expires.

Key Impacts for F-1 Students

1. Students Must Monitor Their I-94 Expiration Date

Students will be responsible for carefully monitoring the expiration date listed on their I-94 arrival record. Remaining in the United States beyond that date without taking appropriate action could result in loss of status and the accrual of unlawful presence.

2. Program Extensions Become More Complex

Currently, students who need additional time to complete their degree program can receive an updated I-20 from their Designated School Official (DSO).

Under the new rule, many students may also need to:

• Obtain an updated I-20 from Curry College, and
• Either file an Extension of Stay application with USCIS or travel abroad and re-enter with a new admission period.

3. School Transfers and Changes of Educational Level

Students transferring to another institution or progressing to a higher educational level may be required to take additional immigration steps beyond the current SEVIS transfer process. 
The new regulations impose additional restrictions and requirements related to transfers, changes of educational level, and some academic program changes.

4. OPT Planning Will Be More Important Than Ever

Students planning to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) should work closely with Curry College's international student office well in advance of program completion.

Depending on a student's Admit Until Date, additional immigration actions may be necessary to remain in the United States while OPT applications are pending or during approved OPT periods.

5. Grace Period Reduced from 60 Days to 30 Days

The current 60-day grace period following completion of an academic program will be reduced to 30 days.

After completing their program, students will have only 30 days to:

• Transfer to another SEVP-certified school,
• Begin a new educational level,
• Apply for a change of status, or
• Depart the United States.

Who is Affected?

The rule primarily affects:

• New F-1 students entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026.
• Current F-1 students who travel internationally and re-enter the United States after the rule takes effect.
• F-2 dependents.

Based on DHS guidance currently available, many F-1 students who are already in the United States on September 15, 2026 may initially retain their D/S admission until they next depart and re-enter the country. Additional government guidance is expected.

What Should Curry College Students Do Now?

At this time, students do not need to take immediate action.

However, Curry College encourages all F-1 students to:

• Continue maintaining full compliance with F-1 regulations.
• Monitor communications from the Office of International Student Services & Global Programming.
• Review travel plans carefully before departing the United States.
• Consult with a DSO before making decisions related to program extensions, transfers, OPT, or changes of academic level.

Curry College Will Continue to Provide Updates

Because this regulatory change is extensive and federal agencies are expected to release additional guidance over the coming months, Curry College will continue to monitor developments and provide updated information as it becomes available. 
Students with questions should contact the Office of International Student Services & Global Programming for guidance regarding their individual circumstances at international@curry.edu.