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Fall 2026 Enrollment Opportunity: Start Your New Program Before the September 15 DHS Policy Change
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
International students currently in the United States in F-1 status who are considering starting a new master's program have an important opportunity this fall.
Humphreys University and National Louis University (NLU) have arranged for their fall cohorts to begin their programs before the September 15 DHS policy takes effect.
This gives eligible students an opportunity to transfer their SEVIS records and receive an I-20 with a September 14 program start date, allowing them to begin their new program before the new policy takes effect and avoid the need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) based on the new rule.
Important Fall 2026 Deadlines
The timeline is extremely important for students interested in taking advantage of this opportunity.
September 1 — Application Deadline
Students must complete their application and submit all required documents by September 1.
September 11 — SEVIS Transfer Deadline
Students must have their SEVIS record transferred to their new university no later than September 11.
Students should contact their current DSO as soon as possible to initiate the transfer process. Some universities may require several business days to process a SEVIS transfer request.
September 14 — Program Start and Mandatory Orientation
Students must attend the mandatory online orientation on September 14. The September 14 date will also serve as the program start date for the fall cohort.
September 15 — DHS Policy Effective Date
The new DHS policy takes effect on September 15, 2026.
This makes the September 14 start date particularly important for students who want to begin a new program before the new policy takes effect.
Why the September 14 Start Date Matters
The timing of the SEVIS transfer and program start is critical.
Students who complete the required fall enrollment process and begin their program before September 15 will be enrolled under the current F-1 Duration of Status framework. Based on the enrollment arrangement outlined by the universities, eligible students who begin their new program on September 14 will not need to file Form I-539 for an Extension of Stay as a result of the new rule.
Simply transferring a SEVIS record before September 15 is not the objective. The student's new program must begin before the September 15 effective date.
That is why Humphreys University and National Louis University have arranged this special September 14 start for the fall cohort.
Chicago, Illinois | Tampa, Florida
National Louis University offers master's-level programs designed for students who want to advance their education while developing practical skills for their careers.
M.S. in Business Data Analytics — STEM
Campuses: Chicago, Illinois or Tampa, Florida
Duration: 15 months / 5 quarters
On-campus requirement: One weekend per quarter
M.S. in Organizational Leadership
Campus: Tampa, Florida
Duration: 15 months / 5 quarters
On-campus requirement: One weekend per quarter
CPT is an integral part of the program, and students may begin CPT as early as August 24, subject to university authorization and applicable requirements.
Stockton, California
Humphreys University provides an affordable and flexible MBA option for students looking to advance their business careers while developing specialized expertise.
Degree Programs
MBA — Information Technology (STEM)
MBA — Organizational Leadership
MBA — Project Management
Program Details
All three MBA options share the following program structure:
Campus: Stockton, California
Duration: 27 months
On-campus requirement: One weekend per quarter (three times per year)
Tuition: $3,500 per quarter
CPT is an integral part of the program, and students may begin CPT as early as September 8, subject to university authorization and applicable requirements.
What Students Need to Do Now
Students interested in either university should begin the process immediately.
Fall 2026 Timeline
Date | What Students Need to Do |
September 1 | Complete application and submit required documents |
September 11 | Complete SEVIS transfer |
September 14 | Begin program and attend mandatory online orientation |
September 15 | New DHS policy takes effect |
Students should also contact their current DSO as soon as possible. Do not wait until September 11 to request the SEVIS transfer. Some schools may require several business days to process the request.
An Important Opportunity for F-1 Students
For international students already in the United States who are considering another master's degree, the fall 2026 enrollment opportunities at Humphreys University and National Louis University provide a way to begin a new program before the September 15 DHS policy effective date.
With an application deadline of September 1, a SEVIS transfer deadline of September 11, and a September 14 program start, the timeline is tight.
If you are an F-1 student considering a new master's program, now is the time to explore your options and begin the application process.
Learn more about these programs and determine which option may be right for you. https://www.howellmgmt.com/day1cptuniversities
