IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: NEW DHS REGULATIONS AFFECTING F-1 STUDENTS

Last updated: July 2026 
This page will be updated as additional guidance becomes available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). 

Overview 

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule introducing significant changes to regulations governing F-1 international students. 

The new rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. 

Bay Atlantic University understands that changes to immigration regulations may raise questions or concerns. The BAU Designated School Official (DSO) Office is carefully reviewing the new regulations and monitoring additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). 

At this time, students who are maintaining valid F-1 status should continue their academic activities as usual. Most students do not need to take immediate action. 

The DSO Office will continue to provide updates, resources, and guidance as additional information becomes available from DHS and SEVP.

What Students Need to Know 

1. Starting September 15, 2026, Your I-94 Will Have a Fixed Expiration Date

Previously, your Form I-94 showed “D/S” (Duration of Status), which allowed you to remain in the United States as long as you were maintaining your F-1 status and meeting program requirements. This will change beginning September 15, 2026. 

Your I-94 will now include a specific expiration date based on the program end date listed on your Form I-20, with a maximum admission period of four (4) years. 

Once your I-94 expiration date has passed, you will no longer be considered in lawful status, even if you are still enrolled and attending classes. 

Beginning September 15, 2026, visit the official CBP I-94 website at cbp.dhs.gov/I94 to access your updated I-94, confirm your authorized stay end date, and keep a copy for your records. 

2. Starting September 15, 2026, the F-1 Grace Period Will Be Reduced to 30 Days (Previously 60 Days)

The amount of time available after completing your program to prepare for departure, transfer to another school, or submit a change of status application will be reduced. 

Previous Rule: 60-day grace period
New Rule: 30-day grace period 

You must either depart the United States or have a timely filed, pending application for a transfer or change of status within 30 days after completing your program. 

Remaining in the United States beyond this 30-day period without a pending application may result in unlawful presence. 

3. Stricter Limits on Transfers, Program Changes, and Academic Progression

Beginning September 15, 2026, new restrictions will apply to academic changes, transfers, and progression of study: 

• Undergraduate and Non-Degree F-1 Students: You may not transfer to another U.S. institution, change your major, or change your program of study during your first academic year. 
• Graduate F-1 Students: You generally may not transfer schools or change your academic program or objective at any point during your graduate studies unless an exception is approved by SEVP due to extenuating circumstances. 
• Students will no longer be permitted to repeat the same academic level or move to a lower level of study. For example, after completing a Master’s degree, a student may not obtain a new F-1 status or I-20 to pursue another Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree. Students must continue progressing academically to a higher level, such as a Doctoral program. 

Exceptions to these restrictions are expected to be very limited and require specific DHS authorization. 

4. Starting September 15, 2026, Program Extensions Will Require USCIS Approval

If you need additional time to complete your academic program beyond the expiration date listed on your I-94, the school will no longer be able to process a standard program extension through SEVIS. 

Instead, you will be required to file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS before your current I-94 expiration date. 

Because USCIS processing may take several months, it is important to file on time. Failure to file before your authorized stay expires may result in unlawful presence and could have serious immigration consequences, including possible multi-year bars from returning to the United States. 

5. Form I-539 Extensions

Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students who need additional time beyond their authorized period of admission—for reasons such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in academic level, or participation in post-completion practical training—will generally be required to submit a timely and complete Form I-539 application to USCIS before their current I-94 expiration date. 

The application will require the applicable filing fee and may include biometrics and an interview. 

Temporary OPT/STEM OPT Transition Exception 

F-1 students who apply for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT during the first six months after the rule takes effect (September 15, 2026, through approximately March 15, 2027) will temporarily be exempt from filing Form I-539 for an extension of status. During this transition period, students may submit only Form I-765 for employment authorization. 

DHS considers this a temporary transition measure, not a permanent exemption. After this six-month period ends, F-1 students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT may be required to file Form I-539 together with Form I-765 if their authorized stay does not otherwise cover the requested employment period. 

Official DHS Resources

Students are encouraged to review the official information published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): 

Study in the States – Elimination of Duration of Status: Quick Facts
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/elimination-of-duration-of-status-quick-facts 

Study in the States – Elimination of Duration of Status: Frequently Asked Questions
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/elimination-of-duration-of-status-frequently-asked-questions 

We Are Here to Help 

We recognize that these are significant changes, and it is completely normal to have questions or concerns about how they may affect you. 

The BAU Admissions and DSO teams are committed to supporting international students throughout this transition. We are prepared to review individual student circumstances, help students understand how the regulations may apply to their situations, and provide guidance to help them maintain their F-1 status. 

We encourage students to contact the DSO Office with questions or concerns and to seek guidance before making changes to their academic plans, employment, travel, or immigration status. 

The DSO Office will continue working to provide accurate information, resources, and support to help students successfully navigate these changes. 

We are here to support you and help you succeed. 

Planning Your Academic Journey at BAU 

The new DHS regulations make long-term academic planning more important than ever. Bay Atlantic University encourages prospective and current students to work closely with our Admissions and DSO teams to build an academic pathway that aligns with both their educational and career goals. 

Our Admissions team can help students: 

• Evaluate the academic pathway that best supports your long-term educational and career goals. 
• Explore integrated bachelor’s, master’s, and dual-degree options.  
• Understand the benefits of beginning a degree program at the appropriate academic level.  
• Plan an early transition from Mentora ESL into a BAU degree program before reaching the proposed English language training limits. 
• Explore opportunities to continue your education at BAU through integrated academic pathways, including dual-degree options where available. 

Contact Us 

If you have questions about how these changes may affect your academic plans or immigration status, our team is here to help. 

📍 Visit us: DSO Office 909 and Admissions Office 911  
📧 DSO Email: [email protected] 
🌐 Admissions Email: [email protected] 
📱 WhatsApp: Chat with us on WhatsApp
📞 Phone: +1 (202) 644-7200  

Designated School Official (DSO) Office
Bay Atlantic University 

 

Disclaimer: This webpage is provided for informational purposes only and summarizes key provisions of the DHS final rule. It should not be considered legal or immigration advice. Students should consult the BAU DSO Office regarding their individual circumstances. Information will be updated as additional guidance is issued by DHS and SEVP.