On September 14, 2026, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction on the published rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for F and J students. This order temporarily pauses the implementation of the rule until the court issues a further decision. The visa status of F&J visa-holders remains unchanged. ISS is closely monitoring this situation and will provide more information and guidance as it becomes available.
On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a rule eliminating Duration of Status (D/S) for F and J students.
On September 14, 2026, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction on the published rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for F and J students. This order temporarily pauses the implementation of the rule until the court issues a further decision. At this time, the final rule is paused and will not be implemented on September 15, 2026. Your immigration status remains unchanged. ISS is closely monitoring this situation and will update you as more information becomes available, and will provide guidance on next steps as soon as possible.
Currently, F-1/J-1 students are admitted to the U.S. for duration of status (D/S). This means students may remain in the United States provided they are maintaining their student visa status as an enrolled student or on an approved period of practical/academic training
The final rule replaces D/S with a fixed period of admittance, among other changes.
The Rule Impacts: