Elimination of Duration of Status: Summary and Resources

Summary of regulatory changes affecting F-1 international students (effective 15 Sept 2026)

Effective September 15, 2026, F-1 international students (and their F-2 immigration dependents) will be admitted to the U.S. until a specific end date, rather than for Duration of Status (D/S).

What is Duration of Status?

• Currently, F-1 students are allowed to remain in the U.S. for as long as you are making normal progress towards completing your academic objectives or are engaging in optional practical training (OPT). This is known as Duration of Status. 

 

What does the change mean for you?

• After September 15, F-1 students will be provided with an Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94 admission record issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon your entry into the U.S.

• The fixed date (AUD) will be tied to the program end date on your Form I-20, or a maximum period of 4 years, whichever is shorter. 

• The fixed date (AUD) will be inclusive of your departure grace period, which should be 30 days from your program end date.

• Changes to OPT and STEM OPT:

  • Students currently on OPT/STEM OPT: the AUD will be based on the  end date on your EAD card and inclusive of your departure grace period (30 days).

  • Moving forward, all students applying for OPT/STEM OPT are required to also file for an Extension of Stay (EOS), as outlined below.

• Extensions of F-1 status beyond the 4-year period may be requested with USCIS for the following reasons:

  • Additional time needed to complete your program;

  • Compelling academic reason;

  • Documented illness or medical condition; or

  • Circumstances beyond the individual's control;

  • Accompany an application for OPT/STEM OPT.

• To extend your status beyond the initial 4-year period, you (and your dependents) will need to:

  • Request an extended I-20 from MassArt International Education;

  • Apply for Extension of Stay (EOS) with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using the I-539 Form;

  • Undergo increased scrutiny by USCIS for extension;

  • Wait for USCIS to adjudicate the I-539 EOS application.

 

MassArt International Education staff is prioritizing the implementation of new advising processes to support F-1 international students in light of these changes. However, the new rule is long and complex. We are reviewing the rule as quickly as possible to design the new processes, inform campus partners, and prepare educational materials for affected students. 

 

Supporting MassArt F-1 international students through this change is of utmost importance to MIE staff and to the College. We will continue to share updated information and resources as they become available. In the meantime, we invite you to review the external resources below:

 

NAFSA Duration of Status Explainer

Study in the States: Establishing a Fix Time Period of Admission Quick Facts

Study in the States: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission FAQ

International Student Resource Center: FAQ Regarding Elimination of Duration of Status

International Student Resource Center: Review of Final Rule on Elimination of Duration of Status