The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalised a sweeping overhaul of the F-1 student visa system, replacing the decades-old "Duration of Status" (D/S) framework with a fixed period of admission and new extension requirements. The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 17, will take effect on September 15, 2026, affecting new international students entering the United States and changing how many current students extend their stay.Under the previous system, F-1 students could remain in the US as long as they maintained valid student status and complied with visa rules. Beginning September 15, students will instead receive a specific "admit until" date on their Form I-94 based on the programme end date listed on their Form I-20, subject to a maximum of four years, along with a 30-day arrival period before classes begin and a 30-day departure period after completing their studies.Also Read| US-bound students face more paperwork, shorter deadlines under Trump's new immigration ruleStudents must now seek USCIS approval to stay longerOne of the biggest changes is the introduction of a mandatory Extension of Stay (EOS) process.Students who need additional time to complete their degree, begin another programme, or undertake post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT must apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by filing Form I-539, paying the required fee and completing biometrics. Alternatively, students with valid visas may leave the US and seek readmission with a new admission period based on updated SEVIS records, subject to eligibility.Grace period cut from 60 days to 30The rule also shortens the period students have to remain in the United States after completing their studies or post-completion OPT.Instead of the current 60-day grace period, students will now have 30 days to depart the country or obtain another lawful immigration status.New limits on transfers and changing majorsDHS has also tightened academic flexibility for F-1 students.Students enrolled in undergraduate programmes generally cannot change their major, educational level or transfer to another institution during their first year unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approves an exception for extenuating circumstances.Graduate students face stricter limits. They generally cannot change majors, transfer institutions or change educational levels while enrolled in their programme. After completing a programme, students are also barred from moving to another programme at the same or a lower educational level.Special limits for some studentsThe final rule also introduces programme-specific admission caps.Students enrolled in English language training programmes will receive a maximum admission period of 24 months, while those studying at public high schools are limited to 12 months. Border commuter students will continue to receive fixed-date admissions.Also Read| Your US study visa doesn't decide how long you can stay in America. This does.Transition rules for current studentsDHS has created transition provisions for students already in the United States.Students admitted under the existing Duration of Status system before September 15, 2026, may generally remain until the programme end date listed on their current Form I-20 or the end of valid OPT/STEM OPT, without filing an Extension of Stay immediately. This transition is available until November 14, 2030, after which an EOS or a fresh admission will generally be required if they wish to continue studying or training. Students benefiting from the H-1B cap-gap provision are exempt from filing a separate EOS during the cap-gap period.According to DHS, the changes are intended to strengthen oversight of student immigration status by replacing the open-ended Duration of Status framework with fixed admission periods and a formal extension process. The department said the rule will allow immigration authorities to better evaluate whether students continue to maintain lawful status while in the United States.