4 things changing for F, J and I visa holders in the United States

What the rule would change

The United States is moving to scrap duration of status for F, J and I nonimmigrants, but the change is not in effect yet. DHS sent the final rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review on May 5, 2026, the last step before publication.

If finalized as drafted, the rule would replace open-ended stays with a fixed admission period, usually tied to the program end date or 4 years, whichever is shorter. Longer stays would require an extension filing with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and an I-94 would show a hard end date.

Who would feel it

The rule targets international students, exchange visitors and foreign media representatives in those visa categories. Most tourists, expats and digital nomads are outside the scope unless they hold an F, J or I status.

The practical change is more paperwork and tighter timing. Schools and sponsors would no longer be the main backstop for stay length and travelers could face unlawful-presence risk if they remain after the I-94 date without approval. Universities have been tracking the proposal because it could add processing delays and disrupt programs, according to reports.

What to watch next

DHS published the proposed rule on Aug. 28, 2025, then took public comment for 30 days. The final text hasn't been published, so the exact transition rules for current students and visitors are still unknown.

If it takes effect, extensions would likely run through Form I-539 for many covered nonimmigrants, with biometrics in some cases. Current filing fees are listed at $470 by paper or $420 online and some applicants may also qualify for premium processing. Read our full United States guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates page for more changes.