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The End of F-1 Duration of Status (D/S): What the Final DHS Rule Means for International Students, CPT, OPT, and Second Master's Degrees
- Jul 20
- 15 min read
The end of Duration of Status (D/S) is no longer a proposal.
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its final rule replacing the longstanding Duration of Status system for F and J nonimmigrants with fixed periods of admission and a formal Extension of Stay process.
The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, unless litigation or Congressional Review Act action changes the implementation timeline.
The final rule will affect how international students manage their F-1 status, academic progression, international travel, OPT, STEM OPT, and future educational programs.
However, one important clarification should be made immediately:
The final rule does not eliminate Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Instead, it changes the immigration framework surrounding F-1 status.
For students enrolled in programs with integral CPT—including programs that authorize CPT from the beginning of the curriculum—the most important change is that the student's F-1 admission will now operate within a fixed immigration timeline rather than the traditional D/S framework.
The final rule may also significantly affect students who planned to complete one master's degree, use OPT or STEM OPT, and then enroll in a second master's program, often to continue their education and practical training in the United States.
Quick Answer: What Does the Final Rule Change?
Beginning September 15, 2026, the new rule will:
Replace Duration of Status (D/S) admissions with fixed admission periods for new F and J admissions and certain readmissions.
Establish an Admit Until Date (AUD) on Form I-94.
Require eligible students who need to remain in the United States beyond their authorized admission period to apply for an Extension of Stay with USCIS.
Reduce the F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 days to 30 days for students subject to the new fixed-admission rules.
Create new restrictions on academic progression, changes in educational objectives, and school transfers.
Establish transition provisions for F-1 students already in the United States in D/S status on September 15, 2026.
Create new considerations for students using CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT.
Potentially make the traditional second-master's pathway significantly more difficult for students who have already completed a master's degree.
Current F-1 students in the United States in D/S status on September 15, 2026 do not need to immediately file a new application simply because the rule takes effect.
However, they will be subject to transition rules, and future travel, program changes, and the need for additional time may trigger new requirements.
When Does the End of Duration of Status Take Effect?
The final rule was published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026.
The scheduled effective date is:
September 15, 2026
The rule is scheduled to take effect 60 days after publication unless litigation or Congressional Review Act action changes the timeline.
Until September 15, 2026, the current Duration of Status regulations remain in effect.
This means that students, schools, and international education professionals should distinguish between:
The rules that apply today; and
The rules that will apply after September 15, 2026.
What Is Duration of Status (D/S)?
Under the current system, most F-1 students are admitted to the United States for Duration of Status, commonly shown as D/S on Form I-94.
In practical terms, this has generally allowed an F-1 student to remain in the United States while:
Maintaining valid F-1 status.
Pursuing an authorized academic program.
Making normal academic progress.
Completing authorized practical training.
Complying with applicable immigration requirements.
The final rule replaces this system with fixed admission periods.
Under the new system, students will generally receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on Form I-94.
The student's authorized period of admission will generally be tied to the program end date listed on the Form I-20, subject to the maximum period established by the rule.
If a student needs to remain in the United States beyond the authorized admission period, the student may need to apply for an Extension of Stay with USCIS.
What Changed Between the Proposed Rule and the Final Rule?
The proposed rule published in 2025 already introduced significant changes, including the replacement of D/S with fixed admission periods and a formal Extension of Stay process.
However, the final rule appears to have gone further in several important areas.
Issue | Proposed Rule | Final Rule |
Duration of Status | Replace D/S with fixed admission periods | Adopted |
Extension of Stay | New USCIS extension process | Adopted |
F-1 grace period | Reduce from 60 to 30 days | Adopted |
Academic progression | Increased scrutiny for some same-level or lower-level changes | More restrictive limits on academic mobility |
CPT | No proposal to eliminate CPT | CPT remains available under the existing regulatory framework |
Current D/S students | Transition framework proposed | Detailed transition provisions |
OPT/STEM OPT | Less detailed transition treatment | Additional transition provisions |
The most important difference for many graduate students may be the treatment of academic progression.
Under the proposed rule, students changing to the same or a lower educational level were expected to face additional scrutiny regarding their academic rationale and educational plans.
The final rule is more restrictive.
For students who have already completed a master's degree, continuing in another master's program may no longer be a routine pathway for maintaining F-1 status.
Is Day 1 CPT Ending in 2026?
No. The final Duration of Status rule does not eliminate Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
The final rule does not eliminate the underlying CPT regulation. CPT remains available when it is properly authorized and meets the applicable regulatory requirements.
The more significant change is the immigration framework in which CPT operates.
Under the traditional D/S system, an F-1 student's admission was not tied to a specific calendar expiration date in the same way as the new system.
Under the final rule, the student's F-1 admission will generally have a fixed end date.
This means CPT planning must now be considered alongside:
The student's Form I-20 program end date.
The student's Form I-94 Admit Until Date.
Any applicable transition deadline.
The student's need for an Extension of Stay.
The student's continued eligibility for F-1 status.
The Practical Impact on CPT Students
CPT authorization is connected to the student's underlying F-1 status.
Therefore, students using integral CPT should carefully track their immigration timeline.
If a student's program will extend beyond the applicable admission period, the student may need to:
Work with the Designated School Official (DSO).
Obtain the appropriate program extension documentation.
File an Extension of Stay application with USCIS before the applicable admission period expires.
Maintain all other F-1 requirements.
The final rule also includes provisions addressing certain employment authorization while a timely filed Extension of Stay application remains pending.
Depending on the circumstances, qualifying employment—including certain on-campus employment and CPT—may receive an automatic bridge period while USCIS adjudicates a timely filed extension application.
Students should not interpret this as permission to file late.
The timing of the Extension of Stay filing is critical.
What Happens to Current F-1 Students Already in the United States?
Current F-1 students who:
Were admitted to the United States for D/S; and
Are physically present in the United States on September 15, 2026,
will be covered by transition provisions.
These students do not need to immediately file a new application simply because the final rule takes effect.
Instead, their transition treatment is generally tied to the earlier of:
The applicable program end date on the current Form I-20; or
Four years after the effective date of the final rule.
For many students, this means that the transition period will not extend beyond approximately September 15, 2030, subject to the applicable rules.
Students who need to remain in the United States beyond their applicable transition deadline may need to file an Extension of Stay.
Current Students May Retain Certain Legacy Treatment
The transition provisions also mean that current D/S students may be treated differently from students entering or reentering under the new fixed-admission system.
For example, a current F-1 student may retain certain aspects of the legacy system until a triggering event—such as international travel or an approved Extension of Stay—causes the student to receive a new date-specific admission period.
Because the exact consequences depend on the student's circumstances, current students should discuss their situation with their DSO before making significant immigration or travel decisions.
What Happens If a Current F-1 Student Travels Internationally After September 15, 2026?
International travel may be particularly important for current D/S students.
A student who is physically present in the United States on September 15, 2026 may benefit from the transition provisions.
However, if that student leaves the United States after the effective date and later seeks readmission, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may issue a new Form I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date.
The student may then be subject to the new fixed-admission system.
This means that international travel after September 15, 2026 could change the student's immigration timeline.
Students should be particularly careful before traveling if they are:
Near the end of an academic program.
Preparing to apply for OPT.
Preparing to apply for STEM OPT.
Planning to begin another academic program.
Approaching the end of their current transition period.
Considering an Extension of Stay.
Students should consult their DSO before international travel when the timing of their admission period could affect their status.
What Happens to CPT if an Extension of Stay Is Pending?
One of the important features of the final rule is that certain employment authorization may receive a bridge period when an Extension of Stay application is timely filed and remains pending.
Depending on the applicable requirements, this may include certain:
On-campus employment.
Curricular Practical Training.
DHS-recognized employment based on economic hardship.
The potential bridge period may extend for up to 240 days while USCIS adjudicates a qualifying, timely filed Extension of Stay application.
This is an important distinction for students whose academic program or authorized employment extends beyond their initial admission period.
However, students should not wait until after their admission period expires to take action.
A late filing may not provide the same protection as a timely filed Extension of Stay application.
Students should work with their DSO to understand the applicable filing process and timeline.
How Does the New Rule Affect OPT and STEM OPT?
The final rule creates additional planning considerations for students applying for post-completion OPT and STEM OPT.
Students should not assume that an OPT or STEM OPT Employment Authorization Document automatically extends the student's underlying F-1 admission period under the new fixed-admission system.
Depending on the student's circumstances, a student may need to consider both:
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; and
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
The final rule includes transition provisions for certain F-1 students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT.
For certain students during the initial transition period after the rule takes effect, an OPT or STEM OPT filing may not require a simultaneous Extension of Stay filing.
However, students should carefully review the timing of their filing and their specific circumstances.
Students Finishing Their Programs Should Plan Early
The F-1 grace period is being reduced from 60 days to 30 days for students subject to the new fixed-admission system.
Students should therefore avoid waiting until the end of their program to decide what comes next.
Students approaching graduation should begin planning for:
OPT.
STEM OPT.
A new academic program.
A change of status.
Departure from the United States.
The shorter grace period creates less room to absorb delays, filing errors, or last-minute changes.
Does the Final Rule Eliminate the Traditional 60-Day F-1 Grace Period?
For students subject to the new fixed-admission rules, yes—the F-1 post-completion grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
The 30-day period may be used to:
Depart the United States.
Begin an authorized next step.
Seek to maintain lawful status through an appropriate immigration process.
The reduction gives students significantly less time to plan their next step after completing a program or authorized practical training.
What About Current F-1 Students?
Transition provisions may allow certain current D/S students to retain legacy treatment until they travel internationally or otherwise become subject to a new date-specific admission period.
Students should not assume that every F-1 student will automatically have the same grace-period rules after September 15, 2026.
The applicable rule may depend on the student's transition status and individual immigration history.
Can F-1 Students Change Their Academic Level?
The final rule places new limits on academic progression and educational mobility.
Students should not assume that they can freely move between programs simply because the programs are academically related.
The rules may affect:
Changes in educational level.
Changes in academic objectives.
Changes in majors.
Transfers between schools.
Programs at the same educational level.
Programs at a lower educational level.
Students should carefully evaluate their academic plans before beginning an F-1 program.
Can a Student Complete One Master's Degree and Then Start Another?
This is one of the most important questions raised by the final rule.
For many years, international students have pursued additional master's degrees for a variety of legitimate academic and professional reasons.
A common pathway has been:
Master's degree → OPT or STEM OPT → second master's degree → new CPT opportunity
The final rule may make this pathway significantly more difficult.
Under the final rule, students who have completed a program at one educational level generally may only begin a new F-1 program at a higher educational level, subject to applicable exceptions and transition provisions.
For a student who has already completed a master's degree, this means that enrolling in another master's program may no longer be a routine path for continuing F-1 status.
Does This Mean a Second Master's Is Automatically Impossible?
Not necessarily.
The final rule includes exceptions and specific circumstances that may affect how an individual student's situation is treated.
However, students should not assume that admission to a second master's program automatically means that they can continue in F-1 status.
A student considering another master's degree should carefully evaluate:
Their previous academic history.
The educational level of the completed program.
The educational level of the proposed program.
The timing of the transition.
Their current immigration status.
Any applicable transition rules.
Whether an exception may apply.
Students should seek guidance from their DSO and, where appropriate, a qualified immigration attorney before committing to a new program.
What Does This Mean for Students Who Planned to Use CPT in a Second Master's Program?
For some international students, the traditional plan was:
Complete a master's degree → use OPT or STEM OPT → enroll in a second master's degree with integral CPT.
The final rule may make that sequence substantially less predictable.
The issue is not that CPT itself is being eliminated.
The issue is that the student's ability to begin and maintain a new F-1 program may be affected by the new restrictions on academic progression.
For students who have already completed a master's degree and are considering continued graduate education, the question may increasingly become:
What is the appropriate next academic level?
For some students, a doctoral program may represent a more natural academic progression than another master's degree.
This may include programs such as:
PhD programs.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs.
Other doctoral-level programs that align with the student's academic and professional objectives.
A doctoral program is not automatically a solution for every student. Program selection must be based on the student's academic background, professional objectives, immigration circumstances, and the requirements of the specific institution.
However, the final rule may make the distinction between continuing at the same academic level and progressing to a higher academic level increasingly important.
Can F-1 Students Transfer to Another School?
The final rule also creates new restrictions on school transfers.
Undergraduate students may face restrictions on transferring during the first year of a program unless an applicable exception applies.
Students enrolled in graduate-level programs or above may face significant restrictions on transferring during their program of study, subject to applicable exceptions.
Students should therefore carefully evaluate a school and academic program before beginning their F-1 studies.
A transfer should not be viewed as a simple administrative change without first understanding the applicable immigration requirements.
What Happens If an F-1 Student Needs More Time?
Under the new system, a student who needs additional time beyond the applicable admission period may need to apply for an Extension of Stay.
This may be necessary if the student needs additional time to:
Complete the current academic program.
Begin a new academic program.
Continue into post-completion OPT or STEM OPT in applicable circumstances.
Remain in the United States beyond the Admit Until Date.
The process generally involves:
Working with the DSO.
Obtaining the appropriate documentation and recommendation.
Filing the required Extension of Stay application with USCIS.
Paying the applicable fee.
Completing required biometrics or other procedures, if applicable.
The Extension of Stay process is an important change because it moves part of the decision-making process from the school and SEVIS system to USCIS.
Students should not treat the process as an automatic administrative extension.
Why Filing Before the Admission Date Matters
The final rule makes the fixed admission date an important immigration deadline.
Students who need to remain in the United States beyond that date should understand the requirements for timely filing an Extension of Stay.
A student who allows the authorized admission period to expire without taking the appropriate action may face serious immigration consequences.
Students should therefore:
Identify their applicable admission deadline.
Calendar the deadline well in advance.
Speak with their DSO about the required process.
Prepare any necessary filings before the deadline.
The exact consequences of a missed deadline depend on the individual's circumstances, including the student's status history and the applicable regulations.
For this reason, students should not wait until the last day to determine what action is required.
How Does the Final Rule Affect Different Students?
If You Are Currently in the United States in F-1 Status
You generally do not need to immediately file a new application simply because the final rule takes effect.
Review your:
Form I-20.
Form I-94.
Program end date.
OPT or STEM OPT authorization, if applicable.
International travel plans.
If You Are Currently Enrolled in a Program With Integral CPT
CPT is not eliminated by the final rule.
However, you should understand your applicable admission period and determine whether an Extension of Stay may eventually be required.
Track your program end date and immigration deadlines carefully.
If You Are Finishing a Master's Degree
Begin planning your next step early.
The final rule may make a second master's degree a more complicated pathway than it was previously.
If You Are Finishing OPT or STEM OPT
Review the timing of your employment authorization application and determine whether any applicable transition provisions affect your situation.
Do not assume that your EAD automatically extends your underlying F-1 admission period.
If You Are Considering a Second Master's Degree
Do not assume that admission to a second master's program automatically allows you to continue in F-1 status.
Review your academic history and the applicable academic-progression rules before committing to enrollment.
If You Are Considering a Doctoral Program
A doctoral program may represent a higher academic level and a more natural progression after a master's degree.
However, the specific program must align with your academic and professional objectives.
If You Plan to Travel Internationally
Speak with your DSO before traveling, particularly after September 15, 2026 or while an Extension of Stay application is pending.
International travel may affect your admission period and transition treatment.
Key Dates for the End of Duration of Status
Date | What It Means |
July 17, 2026 | DHS final rule published in the Federal Register |
September 15, 2026 | Scheduled effective date of the final rule |
Approximately September 15, 2030 | Four years after the effective date; important transition deadline for current D/S students, subject to the applicable rules |
Students should also monitor official agency guidance for additional dates and procedures affecting OPT, STEM OPT, Extension of Stay applications, and transition provisions.
What Should International Students Do Now?
The final rule does not mean that every current F-1 student needs to immediately file an application with USCIS.
However, students should begin planning now.
1. Review Your Immigration Documents
Review:
Form I-94.
Form I-20.
Visa expiration date.
Passport expiration date.
Program end date.
OPT or STEM OPT authorization, if applicable.
2. Identify Your Applicable Admission Deadline
Students should understand whether they are:
Entering under the new fixed-admission system.
Covered by transition provisions.
Approaching the end of an existing program.
Likely to need an Extension of Stay.
3. Plan Academic Transitions Early
Students considering another academic program should not wait until the end of their current program to evaluate their options.
This is particularly important for students considering a second master's degree.
4. Speak With Your DSO
Your DSO can help explain the school's process and the documentation required for academic changes, program extensions, and other F-1 matters.
5. Carefully Evaluate International Travel
Travel after September 15, 2026 may affect the admission period issued upon reentry.
Students should understand the potential consequences before leaving the United States.
6. Monitor Official Guidance
DHS, USCIS, ICE, SEVP, and CBP may issue additional implementation guidance.
The rules and procedures may continue to develop before and after the effective date.
The Bottom Line
The final DHS rule ends the longstanding Duration of Status system for F and J nonimmigrants and replaces it with fixed admission periods and formal Extension of Stay procedures.
For F-1 students, the most important changes include:
Fixed admission periods instead of D/S for new admissions and certain readmissions.
Potential Extension of Stay requirements through USCIS.
A reduction of the F-1 grace period from 60 days to 30 days for students subject to the new rules.
New restrictions on academic mobility and educational progression.
New considerations for international travel.
Transition provisions for current F-1 students already in the United States on September 15, 2026.
New planning requirements for students using CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT.
A potentially significant change to the traditional second-master's pathway.
The final rule does not eliminate CPT.
However, the framework surrounding CPT is changing.
Students using integral CPT will need to pay closer attention to the relationship between:
Their academic program.
Their Form I-20.
Their Form I-94.
Their admission deadline.
Their employment authorization.
Their Extension of Stay requirements.
For students who have already completed a master's degree, the final rule may also make the traditional path of completing a second master's degree more difficult and less predictable.
The most important takeaway is that not every F-1 student will be affected in the same way.
A current F-1 student physically present in the United States on September 15, 2026 may be covered by transition provisions. A student entering or reentering the United States after the effective date may receive a fixed admission period. A student who needs additional time may need to file an Extension of Stay with USCIS.
Academic planning and immigration planning will become increasingly connected.
International students should review their individual circumstances with their Designated School Official and, when appropriate, a qualified immigration attorney.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or individualized immigration advice. Immigration regulations, agency guidance, litigation, and implementation procedures may change. Students should confirm current requirements with their DSO or qualified immigration counsel before making decisions regarding travel, program changes, employment, or immigration filings.
Additional Resources
For additional information and continuing updates, consult:
Howell Management Services will continue monitoring the implementation of the final rule and future developments affecting international students, F-1 status, academic progression, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and graduate education in the United States.
