Below is a summary of the change, including the key points and answers to common questions.
Summary of the Rule Change
International students currently enter the U.S. under "Duration of Status" (D/S). This allowed them to remain as long as they made normal progress in their program and followed F-1 rules.
Starting September 15, 2026, students will instead be given a fixed end date, called the "Admit Until Date" (AUD). This date should match the program end date on the student's Form I-20, and it will be recorded on their I-94 record. The AUD cannot be longer than 4 years. If a student needs more time to finish their program, they must apply for authorization from the U.S. government.
Key Points:
- Extension of Stay: If a student needs more time after their AUD — to finish a program, transfer schools, or do OPT — they must file an online "Extension of Stay" application (Form I-539). This currently costs $420. Instead, a student may also choose to leave the U.S. and re-enter with an updated Form I-20.
- No Change of Level or Major in the First Year: F-1 students cannot change their education level or major during their first year of study.
- No Repeat or Lower-Level Programs: After finishing a program, F-1 students cannot start a new program at the same or a lower level.
- No Transfer in the First Year: F-1 students cannot transfer to another school during their first year of study.
- Shorter Grace Period: After finishing a program, students now have 30 days (down from 60) to leave the U.S., transfer, or apply for OPT
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Does this mean F-1 students can only stay in the U.S. for 4 years total?
Answer: No. Four years is the longest period allowed in a single admission — it is not a lifetime limit. If a student needs to continue studying past 4 years, they must apply for an "Extension of Stay" (EOS).
Question: What is the Admit Until Date (AUD)?
Answer: The AUD is the longest a student may stay in the U.S. before they must apply for more time. It appears on the student's I-94 record.
Question: How is the AUD decided?
Answer: A student's AUD is set when they enter the United States, based on the program end date listed on their Form I-20.
Question: How long are Green River's I-20s valid for?
Answer: For most programs, Green River issues I-20s for 48 months.
Question: What happens after a student files an Extension of Stay application?
Answer: If the student files on time, they may keep studying full-time as an F-1 student while their application is being reviewed.
Question: If a student transfers to a university after Green River, does the new I-20 automatically extend the student's AUD?
Answer: No, AUDs are not extended automatically. If the university's I-20 shows a program end date later than the student's current AUD, the student must apply for an Extension of Stay before their AUD expires.
Question: Can a current student travel internationally?
Answer: Yes, this rule change does not affect international travel. If a student returns to the United States after September 15, 2026, they will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) on their I-94, which should match the program end date on their Form I-20.
We look forward to partnering with you as we navigate these changes together. Please feel free to contact our office anytime with questions.