DHS Ends Open-Ended Stays for F, J, and I Visa Holders
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting September 15, 2026, students, exchange visitors, and foreign media reps will get a fixed time to stay in the U.S. instead of an open-ended status. This change helps the government keep better track of who’s following the rules and makes extending stays clearer. It affects F, J, and I visa holders and could mean more careful planning and paperwork, but no new fees are mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
Fixed Admission Period Replaces D/S
If you are an F, J, or I nonimmigrant, DHS will stop admitting you for an open-ended “duration of status” and instead give you a fixed period of authorized stay starting September 15, 2026. To remain past that date you must file an extension of stay (EOS) with DHS or leave and seek readmission; overstaying can cause accrual of unlawful presence and make you inadmissible for future visas, admission, or adjustment of status.
Administrative Burden and Cost Estimates
DHS estimates the rule imposes annualized costs of $443.1 million to $448.6 million over a 10-year analysis period (2027–2036) using 3% and 7% discount rates; costs to U.S. parties alone are estimated at $119.9 million to $125.1 million annually. DHS says these costs reflect additional filings and administrative burdens for nonimmigrants, schools, and exchange visitor program sponsors.
Maximum 4-Year Admission Rule
DHS will limit authorized admission and extension periods for F and J nonimmigrants to the program length, and in any case not to exceed a 4-year period. This means an admission or extension cannot be issued for longer than four years even if a program might otherwise be longer.
Work Authorization While EOS Pending
If you file a timely EOS, some nonimmigrants can keep working while it is pending: F-1 students with a timely EOS and qualifying auto-extension may continue on-campus and certain off-campus employment for up to 240 days (auto-extension for severe economic hardship); J-1s with employment incident to status may continue working up to 240 days while EOS is pending; I nonimmigrants may continue working for their foreign employer up to 240 days while EOS is pending (90 days for some PRC I nonimmigrants). J-2 dependents, who need an EAD, do not get continued work authorization once their EAD expires. The rule also provides a temporary 6-month reprieve for filing EOS when applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, and a temporary reprieve for certain J-1s to continue working based on their new Form DS-2019.
Shorter 30-Day Departure Window
For F-1 students, the period to prepare to depart after completing a course of study or post-completion practical training is shortened from 60 days to 30 days. If you end your study or training early or your program end date is shortened, you and eligible dependents must depart the U.S. or take steps to maintain lawful status within 30 days.
Tighter Transfer and Program Rules
F-1 students generally must complete their first academic year at the school that issued their initial Form I-20 before transferring, graduate-level F-1 students are prohibited from changing educational objectives or transferring during their program (unless SEVP grants an exception), and language training students are limited to an aggregate 24 months of stay. Also, once you complete a program at one educational level, you may only begin a higher-level program as an F-1 student, not the same or a lower level.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20955, Removal of Automatic Extensions for Certain Employment Authorization Documents
Starting October 14, 2026, certain workers with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will no longer get automatic extensions when they apply to renew. This change affects people who rely on these work permits and means they must wait for approval before continuing to work. The goal is to improve security and make sure everyone is properly checked before getting a new work permit, with no extra fees but a tighter timeline.
2026-20884, Advance Traveler Information for Rail
U.S. Customs and Border Protection wants train companies to send traveler info ahead of time for anyone coming into or leaving the U.S. by rail. This helps keep travel safe and smooth for passengers and crew. The rule is open for comments until December 14, 2026, and could mean new tech or process updates for rail carriers.
2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.
2026-20660, Optional Practical Training Fees
Starting soon, international students using Optional Practical Training (OPT) will face new fees: $70,000 for their first OPT and $30,000 for any extra OPT periods. This change aims to stop fraud and protect U.S. workers. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by November 9, 2026!
2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements
The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!
2026-20016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment-Based Immigrant Visa, Fifth Preference (EB-5) Fee Rule
Starting November 30, 2026, USCIS is updating the fees for the EB-5 immigrant visa program, which helps investors and their families get green cards. These changes reflect new rules from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and include adjusted costs to keep the program fair and efficient. If you're applying or renewing your EB-5 visa after this date, be ready to pay the new fees!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14391, Amendment of Class D Airspace and Class E Airspace Over New Bedford, MA
The FAA is updating the airspace around New Bedford, MA by extending the Class D airspace a bit to the northwest to better fit current flight paths. They’re also fixing the airport’s name and coordinates and updating some official terms to keep things clear and current. These changes kick in on October 29, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra—just smoother skies ahead!
Next: 2026-14446, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
Starting July 17, 2026, the FAA is updating how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes affect pilots and airports by adjusting flight paths and safety rules due to new tech, obstacles, or air traffic needs. No big costs here—just smarter skies and safer flights for everyone.