{"id":21199,"date":"2026-07-27T18:49:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T22:49:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/?p=21199"},"modified":"2026-08-13T08:48:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T12:48:45","slug":"the-new-f-1-visa-rules-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bau.edu\/blog\/the-new-f-1-visa-rules-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The New F-1 Visa Rules 2026: Simplified for International Students"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You’ve probably seen headlines about new F-1 visa rules, but what do they actually mean?<\/p>\n

Big changes are coming for F-1 international students. If you’ve been hearing about new visa rules, changing I-94 dates, or wondering whether OPT or CPT is affected, you’re not alone.<\/p>\n

On July 17, 2026<\/strong>, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new rule that changes how F-1 student status will be managed beginning September 15, 2026<\/strong>. While these updates are important, they don’t mean you need to panic or start filing paperwork tomorrow.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s changing, what stays the same, and what these new rules actually mean for you as an international student.<\/p>\n

\"Student<\/p>\n

What Is Changing? The 4 Core Updates<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

For many years, F-1 students entered the United States under “Duration of Status” (D\/S)<\/strong>, which appeared on their Form I-94. Under this system, students could remain in the U.S. for as long as they maintained their student status and their DSO kept their SEVIS record active.<\/p>\n

Beginning September 15, 2026<\/strong>, that system will be replaced with a Fixed Admission Period<\/strong>. Here are the four biggest changes you should know.<\/p>\n

1. Your I-94 Will Now Have a Specific Expiration Date<\/h2>\n

Instead of seeing “D\/S”<\/strong> on your Form I-94 (Arrival\/Departure Record), you will receive a specific “Admit Until Date.”<\/strong> This will become the official expiration date of your authorized stay.<\/p>\n

The date will be based on the program end date listed on your Form I-20, with a maximum admission period of four (4) years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n