[{"id":5246,"date":"2026-09-09T15:57:33","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T20:57:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/international\/?page_id=5246"},"modified":"2026-09-09T16:44:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T21:44:08","slug":"transition-to-fixed-admission-period","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ualr.edu\/international\/transition-to-fixed-admission-period\/","title":{"rendered":"Transition to Fixed Admission Period"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The content on this website is developed based on the final rule, “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” published in the Federal Register. Content on this website will continue to be updated on and after September 15, 2026, as the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issue further operational clarifications. You can access the official Study in the States regulatory updates directly via the DHS Quick Facts Page<\/a> and the DHS Frequently Asked Questions Page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DHS has published a final rule that changes how individuals in F and J nonimmigrant classifications are admitted to the United States. The complete text of the final rule is available on the DHS website. Historically, most F and J nonimmigrants were admitted for Duration of Status (D\/S), which allowed them to remain in the United States as long as they maintained their immigration status (i.e., completing a program of study). Under the new rule<\/a>, D\/S is replaced with a fixed period of admission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important Definitions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Admit Until Date (AUD)<\/strong>
A nonimmigrant\u2019s maximum period of admission to the United States; also the last day a nonimmigrant is authorized to stay in the United States. F and J students cannot remain lawfully present in the United States beyond their AUD and must depart the United States or take action to maintain status before their AUD expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duration of Status (D\/S)<\/strong>
The current admission system under which most F and J students and scholars may remain in the United States as long as they maintain their immigration status. For individuals admitted on or after September 15, 2026, D\/S will be replaced with a fixed period of admission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extension of Stay (EOS)<\/strong>
An application submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request additional time in the United States before the student’s current period of admission expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

F Nonimmigrant Classification<\/strong>
The nonimmigrant visa category that permits admittance to the United States solely for the purpose for pursuing a full course of study at an established college, university, or other educational institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Form I-94<\/strong>
The official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrival and departure record that documents the student’s immigration classification and the expiration date of the student’s authorized period of admission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J Nonimmigrant Classification<\/strong>
The nonimmigrant visa category for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Program Start Date<\/strong> 
\nThe date on which a student is expected to begin their academic program. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Program Start Date may include the date of any required orientation sessions or other mandatory activities scheduled before the first day of classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Program End Date<\/strong>
\nThe date on which a student is expected to complete their academic program. The Program End Date does not include any applicable grace periods or future employment authorization periods, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How This Affects International Students <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under the final rule, F-1 students will be admitted for a fixed period of admission rather than for D\/S.<\/strong> The admission period is based on the Program End Date listed on the student’s Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,<\/strong> subject to a maximum admission period of 4 years,<\/strong> plus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n