Duration of Status Final Rule Info Session

This information session recording provides an overview of the Department of Homeland Security’s Final Rule on Duration of Status, as interpreted by ISSS as of July 23, 2026. It highlights key implications for Penn’s international students and scholars and shares implementation updates. The Q&A summary below consolidates live questions, grouping similar and follow-up questions and eliminating repetition. Implementation guidance may continue to develop. Students and scholars should consult ISSS regarding their individual circumstances. --- GENERAL IMPACT Who is affected, and what happens if I am already in the United States? Students and scholars already in the United States before the effective date generally do not need to take immediate action solely because of the rule. However, travel and reentry after the effective date may result in a specific admission-until date (AUD) on the I-94 instead of D/S. The rule does not cancel a valid visa, I-20, or DS-2019. The visa permits travel to a U.S. port of entry; the I-94 determines authorized stay. --- TRAVEL, REENTRY, AND THE AUD What happens if I travel internationally and return after the effective date? CBP may issue an I-94 with a specific AUD rather than D/S. Review the I-94 after reentry. If the program or authorized activity extends beyond its expiration date, an Extension of Stay (EOS) may be required. International travel is not automatically prohibited, but individual circumstances should be considered. Consult ISSS before travel when immigration status or future benefits may be affected. Exceptions such as Automatic Visa Revalidation may apply to some travel. The AUD is separate from the visa expiration date and may be subject to the four-year maximum and other regulatory limits. How the four-year limit applies to time already spent in the United States may depend on individual circumstances. --- EXTENSION OF STAY (EOS) When would I need to file an EOS? An EOS may be required when the I-94 expires before the academic program or authorized activity is complete. The application must be filed before the current authorized stay expires and no more than six months before expiration. Contact ISSS as early as possible if additional time may be needed. The consequences of a denial or the possibility of refiling depend on individual circumstances. --- OPT AND STEM OPT How does the rule affect OPT and STEM OPT? OPT and STEM OPT remain available. Travel and reentry after the effective date may result in a fixed AUD rather than D/S. Review the I-94 after reentry and consider how the AUD relates to the EAD, I-20, employment authorization, and future immigration plans. The rule does not automatically shorten OPT or STEM OPT, but an EOS may be needed if the I-94 expires before the authorized period ends. Students planning to transition to H-1B or another status should plan with their employer, immigration counsel, and ISSS. The existing 60-day post-completion OPT grace period remains applicable under current rules. --- PROGRAM CHANGES AND DEGREE LEVELS Can I change my major, program, or educational objective, pursue another degree at the same level, or move from a master's program to a PhD? The rule may affect certain educational objective changes, including changes of major, internal transfers, dual degrees, second degrees at the same level, and changes between degree programs. Consult ISSS before making a significant program or educational objective change. --- J-1 STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS How does the rule affect J-1 students and scholars? J-1 students and scholars may also be affected by the shift from D/S to a fixed AUD. The I-94 controls authorized stay. If it expires before the DS-2019 end date, an EOS may be required. Existing J-1 category-specific time limits, including the five-year limit where applicable, remain relevant. Individuals approaching a time limit or whose program may extend beyond their authorized admission period should consult ISSS. --- VISA VALIDITY AND RENEWAL Does the rule change my visa expiration date, and do I need to renew my visa now? No. The rule does not automatically change or cancel a valid visa. The visa permits travel to a U.S. port of entry, while the I-94 determines how long an individual may remain in the United States. There is generally no immediate requirement to renew a valid visa solely because of the new rule. --- WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS AND DEPARTMENTS DO NOW? Continue following current immigration and university procedures unless ISSS provides updated guidance. Do not make changes to hiring, appointments, funding, academic planning, travel recommendations, or other administrative decisions based solely on news reports or unofficial interpretations of the rule. --- For immigration-related questions, contact ISSS. ISSS will communicate any required changes as information becomes available.