CSG Law Alert: Urgent Update Regarding New F & J Rules
The District Court of Massachusetts has enjoined the implementation of the Final Rule which eliminates duration of status for F & J nonimmigrants. As of 9/15/2026, the new rule will not be going into effect. CSG Law will provide updates as they become available.
Previously announced:
New F & J Rules Go Into Effect On September 15, 2026
On July 17, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule that makes significant changes to the F-1 Student Visa and J-1 Exchange Visitor programs. The rule, expected to take effect on September 15, 2026, replaces “Duration of Status” or D/S with a fixed periods of admission for F & J visa holders in addition to several other critical changes to the program.
The final rule enacts some of the most significant changes to the F & J programs in more than 50 years. Key changes include:
- Duration of Status (D/S) will be replaced by “fixed periods” of admission.
- The F-1 Grace Period is now 30 Days instead of 60 Days for those entering the U.S. or changing status as of 9/15/2026.
- F and J visa holders will require extensions of stay to remain longer than their program end dates, including when filing for F-1 OPT/STEM OPT.
- Severe limitations have been placed on graduate students when changing degree programs and transferring schools.
- Students will no longer be permitted to study at the same degree level once a program of study has been completed.
- F-1 students will receive a 240-day extension of CPT work authorization if an extension of stay is filed.
- Students currently in the U.S. in F or J status (as of 9/14/2026) can remain until their program end date on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 or until their OPT/STEM OPT EAD expires, not to exceed 11/30/2030. Importantly, students and exchange visitors who travel outside the United States and re-enter on or after 9/15/2026, will become subject to the new rules upon re-entry.
Our immigration team will continue to closely monitor these developments and will provide updates as they become available. For questions or a detailed breakdown of the new rules and how it may impact you or your employees, please contact the authors of this alert or the CSG Law Immigration Group.