Posted July 29th, 2026 in Top Stories with Tags Corporate Immigration, Immigration Law

Immigration: Major Rule Changes Announced Impacting J-1, F-1, and I Status

On July 17, 2026, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the publication of a new final rule affecting the periods of admission and extension-of-stay procedures for F nonimmigrant academic students, J exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign information media. The rule, which is set to take effect on September 15, 2026, is expected to significantly alter the process by which individuals in these statuses are admitted to the United States and the duration of their admission.

Specifically, the new rule will impose the following regulatory changes, among others:

Admission under F, J, and I statuses will now be for fixed periods. In particular, those in F and J statuses will be admitted only until the end date of their programs, as listed on Forms I-20 and DS-2019, respectively. The period of admission cannot exceed four years, plus a 30-day period for arrival and an additional 30-day period for departure.
Those admitted under F, J, and I status who need additional time to complete their programs after their status expires, or who seek to begin new programs in the United States, must now apply for either an extension of status through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or a renewed admission at the border to remain in valid status.
Students admitted in F-1 status and enrolled in programs below the graduate level cannot change their major or transfer to another school during the first year without extenuating circumstances.
After completing their programs, students admitted in F-1 status are prohibited from changing to a program of study at a lower educational level or to a program at the same educational level.
Individuals currently admitted to the United States for the Duration of Status and present on the rule’s effective date will be admitted until the earlier of their program end date or the expiration of their post-completion authorization, or November 14, 2030, whichever is sooner.

The new rules are expected to introduce several considerations for those currently in the United States in F-1, J-1, or I status. We recommend that those directly affected by the new rule changes work with their schools and/or sponsoring organizations to account for the impact of the changes on their individual status.

The upcoming rule changes may also have a secondary impact on employers seeking to hire foreign national employees. Specifically, given the additional filing and processing required to extend status, we anticipate delays in obtaining work authorization. To avoid gaps in employment, such delays may necessitate direct sponsorship of foreign national employees through employment-based visas. Further, because of the new limits on status, employers may need to pay closer attention to I-9 verification records to ensure that F-1 employees maintain proper employment documentation.

We anticipate that upcoming changes may have significant impacts on employer sponsorship and federal immigration compliance. Employers should feel free to reach out to our team at Nilan Johnson Lewis with any questions.