United States caps F-1 and J-1 visa stays at 4 years under new rule

What DHS is changing now

The United States Department of Homeland Security sent a final rule on May 6, 2026 to the Office of Management and Budget that would end Duration of Status for F-1, J-1 and I visa holders and replace it with fixed admission periods. The proposal would cap most stays at 4 years, with 24 months for language training and tie the I-94 end date to the program dates on Form I-20 or DS-2019.

The rule is still waiting on OMB clearance before Federal Register publication. If approved, it could take effect 30 to 60 days later, with new arrivals likely facing the change by summer or fall 2026.

Who gets caught by the change

The biggest impact falls on international students, exchange visitors and foreign media representatives. F-1 students would also see the post-completion grace period shrink from 60 days to 30 days and unlawful presence would start once the fixed stay ends.

Existing holders could get up to 4 years from the rule’s effective date or until their program ends, whichever comes first. Tourists and most other visa groups aren't part of this rule, though the tighter system could affect students or visitors who need to leave and re-enter the United States while their program is still active. Find more visa updates at nomad news.

What travelers and schools need to plan for

Extensions would move from school-level approval to a USCIS filing on Form I-539, with biometrics and fees that can top $470 plus an $85 biometrics charge. Applicants would need to show continued program progress and some changes in school or degree level would face new limits.

Travel could get trickier too. If someone leaves the country while an extension is pending, it may be treated as abandoned or complicate re-entry. Schools, exchange sponsors and students will need to watch for the final Federal Register notice and any effective date before making travel or enrollment plans.

Read our full United States guide for the complete picture.