International students must adapt to fixed 4-year US visa limits starting September 15
F-1 and J-1 visa holders will no longer receive open-ended stay permission. Starting September 15, 2026, international students and exchange visitors will receive fixed admission dates instead, generally capped at four years, requiring extensions for longer programs.
What Changed
Beginning September 15, 2026, most F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents will no longer be admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S). Instead, they will generally receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 that establishes how long they are authorized to remain in the United States.
Under the new final rule, F students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time instead of duration of status, based on the length of a student's program of study listed on their Form I-20, not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day period for arrival and an additional 30-day period for departure.
What This Means for Doctoral and Longer Programs
A student in a six-year doctoral program can still finish their degree, but they will generally need federal approval to remain in the country beyond four years. Those remaining beyond their authorized period of admission need to request an Extension of Stay from USCIS or travel and re-enter if they will remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of admission.
Practical Impact for Your Family
If you are an international student or planning to bring children to the US on F-1 or J-1 visas, you must now carefully track your Form I-94 expiration date. The change could also complicate international travel: Students returning to the U.S. may find re-entry more complicated. Families pursuing degrees longer than four years—including PhDs, medical degrees, and extended master's programmes—should plan ahead for extension applications. Consult your university's international student office immediately to understand your specific timeline and any extensions you may need to file.
Sources
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