Duration of Status (D/S)

Duration of Status Replaced by “Admit Until Date” (AUD)

Q: What is Duration of Status (D/S)?

A: D/S is an immigration designation that allows F and J students and scholars stay in the U.S. without a set expiration date, as long as they actively maintain their status — for example, by making normal progress in their academic or research program, or by participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT). It is recorded on the I-94 issued when a student or scholar is admitted by Customs and Border Protection through September 14, 2026.

Q: Is D/S being replaced?

A: Yes. A rule published on July 17, 2026, is currently set to eliminate D/S on September 15, 2026, replacing it with a fixed expiration date called the Admit Until Date (AUD).

Q: When will the new immigration regulations take effect?

A: The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.

Q: Do I need to take any action right now because of these new regulations?

A: No immediate action is required before September 15, 2026, beyond keeping your immigration documents and status in order as usual. ISSS recommends reviewing the updated guidance on its website, since new information is being added regularly.

Q: What is an “Admit Until Date” (AUD)?

A: The AUD is the initial period an F or J student or scholar is authorized to remain in the United States. Unless it is later extended, it marks the last day of authorized stay.

Q: Is an AUD different from the Program End Date on the I-20 or DS-2019?

A: Yes. The Program End Date reflects when the academic or exchange program is expected to finish, while the AUD reflects the last date the person is authorized to remain in the U.S.  The AUD will account for a student’s grace period.

Q: What will my AUD be?

A: For F and J students and scholars entering the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, the AUD will be set to match the I-20 or DS-2019 end date (plus a 30-day grace period), or four years from the entry date, whichever comes first.

Q: I am currently on OPT. What will my AUD be?

A: It will be the end date of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) plus your original 60-day grace period, provided you do not travel outside of the United States.

Q: Does my AUD include a grace period?

A: Yes, a 30-day grace period following completion of the program is built into the AUD for both F and J students and scholars.

Q: I am a new student. Will this rule affect my entry to the United States?

A: No. Because the new rule doesn’t take effect until September 15, 2026, students arriving or returning for the Fall 2026 semester should not face any additional requirements from these changes.

Q: I am already in the United States. How will I know what my AUD is?

A: Those already present on September 15, 2026, may still see “D/S” on their I-94, but their effective AUD will be treated as the I-20 or DS-2019 end date (plus a grace period), or four years from September 15, 2026, whichever is sooner.

Q: If I’m in the U.S. on September 15, 2026, but later travel, will I get a new AUD?

A: Yes. Anyone re-entering in F or J status on or after that date will receive an AUD tied to their I-20, DS-2019, or OPT EAD end date (plus a grace period), or four years from that entry, whichever is sooner.

Q: Will ISSS track students’ AUD deadlines, or is that the student’s responsibility?

A: As with all immigration documents, keeping the AUD current is ultimately the student’s responsibility. ISSS will send courtesy reminders when AUD information is available but is not required to.

“Extension of Stay” (EOS) Applications

Q: What’s the difference between a program extension and an EOS?

A: Before September 15, a program extension was how F and J students and scholars extended their permission to stay in the U.S. After that date, a program extension only updates the I-20 or DS-2019 end date, it no longer extends the AUD on its own.

Q: How do I extend my AUD?

A: You’ll need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS before your AUD expires (but no more than 180 days ahead of time), or travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. to receive a new AUD.

Q: What documents will I need to file an EOS and extend my AUD?

A: USCIS hasn’t released a complete list yet. At a minimum, expect to need an updated I-20 or DS-2019, proof of one calendar year of funding, and a completed Form I-539. In-person biometrics at a USCIS Application Support Center may also be required.

Q: What are acceptable reasons to extend my AUD?

A: Per the published rule, acceptable reasons are limited to compelling academic reasons, documented medical illness, or circumstances beyond the student’s control.

Q: I received an academic warning. Can I use that to extend my AUD?

A: No, delays caused by academic probation don’t qualify as a compelling academic reason. Under this federal rule, “academic probation” is a broad immigration term that can include UofL designations such as ‘College Academic Warning’ and ‘Low GPA Warning.’

Q: If my EOS application is pending, can I keep studying or doing research in the U.S.?

A: Yes, students and scholars may continue their studies or research while an EOS application is pending.

Q: If my EOS application is pending, can I keep working in the U.S.?

A: Those who file before March 18, 2027, can continue working. Those who file after that date can continue working for up to 240 days, provided the application is filed before the program end date. Note that J-2 dependents’ work authorization is not automatically extended.

Q: Will I need to submit an EOS application if I’m applying for OPT?

A: Yes, under two circumstances: for all students filing on or after March 19, 2027, and for students who travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. after September 15, 2026.

Q: What happens if my EOS application is denied?

A: A student or scholar whose EOS is denied cannot continue their studies in the U.S. and must depart as soon as possible.

Restrictions on “Educational Objectives” for F-1 Students

Q: Can I change my field of study or major?

A: Undergraduates cannot change their major within their first year. Undergraduate transfer students who have already transferred their SEVIS record to UofL are considered to have already met that first-year requirement and can change their major. Graduate students cannot change their field of study at any point in their program.

Q: Can I change my educational level?

A: Only after completing your current degree program, and only to pursue a subsequent degree at a higher level than the one you earned.

Q: Can I transfer to another college or university?

A: Undergraduates cannot transfer within their first year. Graduate students cannot transfer before completing their current degree.

Q: Can I pursue a double major?

A: Yes, as long as both majors are completed at the same time.

Q: Can I add a concurrent minor?

A: Yes, but it must be completed alongside your primary major, and it is not an acceptable reason to extend an I-20 or AUD.

Q: Can I change the concentration within my program?

A: Yes, academic changes that don’t require updating the I-20 or DS-2019 remain allowed.

Q: Can I earn a master’s degree while pursuing a doctorate?

A: Yes, doctoral students may be awarded a master’s degree along the way, as long as they continue making steady progress toward their doctorate. The doctorate will be the primary education level listed on the Form I-20. 

Q: Can I earn a master’s degree without finishing my doctorate?

A: The university can award the degree, but your I-20 or DS-2019 cannot be updated to reflect it. Leaving the doctoral program before completing it would count as ending that educational objective early, making you ineligible for OPT, Academic Training, or similar benefits.

Q: If I already have a graduate degree and I’m pursuing a second one at the same level, will I need to change my educational level after September 15?

A: No, programs completed before September 15 don’t count toward the new educational-objective restrictions.

Guidance for University Staff

Q: What is my role as a staff member in addressing questions about these regulation changes?

A: Staff, advisors, and faculty share responsibility with ISSS for supporting international students and scholars. Shared responsibilities include advocating for their success and providing support. ISSS specifically reviews and interprets the regulations, communicates guidance, advises students and scholars directly, and maintains immigration records and verified website content. Staff and faculty are asked to stay informed via ISSS communications, direct students to verified information sources (the ISSS Announcements blog, ISSS emails, and this webpage), encourage students to contact ISSS with specific immigration questions, share concerns and recurring questions with ISSS, avoid speculating on or answering immigration questions themselves, and approve EOS recommendations after September 15, 2026 (details on that process are still forthcoming).

Q: I have questions about how these regulations affect admissions. Who should I contact?

A: Contact ISSS for information regarding the potential effect of regulations on admissions 

Q: How does this affect international students participating in study abroad?

A: Study abroad can continue as before; students will receive a new AUD when they return to the U.S.

Q: Can students stay enrolled in a program and finish their degree remotely?

A: Students studying remotely from overseas would not hold active F or J status or an AUD, so none of the AUD-related rules would apply to them. Students may complete degrees remotely, if overseas. 

Q: Can academic departments cover any biometric fees?

A: No, biometrics fees are a personal expense.

Work Authorization (CPT, OPT, AT)

Q: Does this affect the OPT/H-1B Cap Gap rule?

A: No. The new rule does not change or remove the automatic extension of status and work authorization for F-1 students who are beneficiaries of timely filed, cap-subject H-1B petitions.

Q: If my EOS application is pending, can I keep working in the U.S.?

A: Those who file before March 18, 2027 can continue working. Those who file after that date can continue working for up to 240 days, as long as the application was filed before the program end date. J-2 dependents’ work authorization is not automatically extended.

Q: Will I need to submit an EOS application if I’m applying for OPT?

A: Yes, for all students filing on or after March 18, 2027, and for any student who travels internationally and re-enters the U.S. after September 15, 2026.

Information, Support, and Advocacy

Q: What is the university doing in response to these immigration rule changes?

A: The university is actively preparing for implementation of the new regulations. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), in consultation with the university’s Federal Relations team and outside immigration-law experts, is reviewing the regulations and monitoring additional federal guidance as it is issued. ISSS is updating guidance for students, scholars, faculty, and staff; preparing processes to help students understand and manage new immigration requirements and deadlines; and identifying individuals who may be particularly affected by the changes.

The university is also reviewing academic policies and administrative procedures that may be affected by the new restrictions on program changes, educational levels, and extensions of stay. Additional guidance will be provided as federal requirements and university procedures are finalized.

Q: Where can I find the most recent communications from ISSS?

A: The ISSS Announcements listserv is the primary source for official university communications on immigration matters.

Q: How can I stay informed about immigration updates?

A: Monitor your email closely and check the ISSS website regularly to be notified whenever a new announcement is posted.

Q: How can I support people who may be affected by these rule changes?

A: Encourage international students with questions to reach out directly to ISSS, which is equipped to advise on complex immigration matters. Avoid speculating or trying to answer legal immigration questions yourself, and direct people to official university channels, isss@louisville.edu  for verified information.