GOOD NEWS for F-1 Students and J-1 visa holders!

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security’s new rule that would have ended the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) system for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors. The rule was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, and would have replaced D/S with fixed admission periods, generally limited to four years, creating additional requirements for students who needed more time to complete their programs or continue certain authorized activities.

For now, the new rule will NOT take effect on September 15, and the existing D/S framework remains in place while the legal challenge continues.

However, this is a postponement—not a permanent cancellation of the rule. The court case is still ongoing, and future legal decisions or appeals could affect whether the rule eventually takes effect. International students should continue maintaining their status and stay informed through official updates from DHS, USCIS, SEVP, and their universities.