"Duration of Status" (D/S) is a long-established policy that allows F students and J exchange visitors to remain in the country as long as they are making normal progress towards completing their academic or exchange objectives or are engaging in optional practical training (OPT), provided they are properly tracked in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
On July 17, 2026, DHS/ICE (Department of Homeland Security/US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) published a final rule ending D/S for F, J, and I nonimmigrants in favor of a fixed admission period, scheduled to be effective September 15, 2026, (60 days after the date of official publication). A full analysis is available on NAFSA's Final Rule page.
On August 18, NAFSA and the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration led a coalition of associations and unions in announcing a lawsuit challenging the final rule. On September 14, the U.S. District Court granted preliminary nationwide relief, immediately blocking implementation of the rule while the lawsuit continues. See the joint press statement for plaintiff responses.
D/S Final Rule: Analysis
This is the NAFSA home for analysis of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that eliminates D/S for F and J nonimmigrants in favor of a fixed admission period.
NAFSA Litigation Challenging the Final Rule
A lawsuit by NAFSA and other associations and unions alleges the government violated the Administrative Procedure Act in its rulemaking to end D/S.