09/10/2026
Big changes coming for F-1 & J-1 visa holders- starting September 15, 2026
The days of open-ended "Duration of Status" are ending. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will now be given a fixed admission period (up to 4 years or their program end date, whichever is shorter), and the grace period after finishing a program is shrinking from 60 to 30 days.
If you're currently in the U.S. on D/S, there are transition protections, but leaving and re-entering the country after September 15, 2026 will subject you to the new rules right away.
Planning to apply for OPT, extend your status, or travel internationally? The timing of your paperwork now matters more than ever.
Please Reach out-I'm happy to walk you through your options.
