DHS Rule Affecting F-1 Status

F-1 Students Will No Longer Be Admitted for “Duration of Status” (D/S)

Under the previous system, most F-1 students were admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S). This generally allowed students to remain in the United States as long as they continued to maintain their F-1 status and make normal progress toward completing their academic program. Beginning September 15, 2026, students entering or reentering the United States in F-1 status will generally be admitted for a fixed period of time. Your authorized stay will be connected to the program end date on your Form I-20, subject to the limits established by the new federal rule.

When you enter the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will provide an “Admit Until Date” (AUD) , rather than admitting you for D/S.

This date will become extremely important. F-1 students will need to pay close attention to both:

• the program end date listed on their Form I-20; and
• the Admit Until Date (AUD) associated with their admission to the United States.

Most associate degree programs at Queensborough Community College are designed to be completed within approximately two years. However, we recognize that some students may require additional time to complete their degree. Under the new rule, simply receiving an updated I-20 from QCC may no longer be sufficient to extend your authorized stay in the United States. If you need additional time beyond your authorized period of admission, you may also need to take additional action with the federal government.

If it becomes clear that you will not complete your degree by the program end date on your I-20, contact the International Student Center as early as possible. Your advisor will review your academic circumstances and determine whether you are eligible for a program extension. Acceptable reasons for needing additional time may include certain compelling academic reasons, documented medical circumstances, or situations beyond your control. If QCC approves an extension of your academic program, the International Student Center may issue you an updated Form I-20 with a new program end date.

Under the new federal rule, you may then need to extend your F-1 status by either:

1. Filing Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request an extension of your F-1 status from within the United States; or
2. Departing the United States and seeking reentry in F-1 status using your updated I-20, provided you have the documentation required for reentry. International travel and reentry are never guaranteed. Before considering travel as a way to obtain a new period of admission, speak with a QCC DSO.

If you are already inside the United States in valid F-1 status under D/S on September 15, 2026, special transition provisions apply. In general, you may continue in F-1 status until the program end date listed on the I-20 that applies under the transition rule, subject to the federal rule's overall limitations. However, if you need additional time to complete your QCC degree, begin a new academic program, or make certain other changes, you may need to apply for an extension of status.

This is especially important for current students. If you are currently in the United States under D/S and leave the United States after September 15, 2026, you will become subject to the new fixed-period admission rules when you seek to reenter. If Customs and Border Patrol approves your reentry, you will receive a fixed Admit Until Date rather than D/S. Before making international travel plans, we strongly encourage you to speak with a DSO in the International Student Center.

The new rule makes significant changes to F-1 transfer rules. See below.

New Undergraduate F-1 Students

Undergraduate students entering under the new rule must remain enrolled at the school that issued their initial Form I-20 for one academic year before transferring to another institution, unless SEVP authorizes an exception based on extenuating circumstances. This is particularly important for new QCC students who may be considering transferring shortly after arriving in the United States.

Continuing Students Transferring After QCC

Students who complete their associate degree at QCC may still be able to transfer to a bachelor's degree program at another college or university. However, if the new bachelor's degree program extends beyond your current authorized period of admission, you may also need to obtain an extension of your F-1 status. Speak with your advisor before transferring your SEVIS record to another institution.

The new rule places additional restrictions on changing educational levels. For QCC students, moving from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree is an upward educational progression and may be permitted. However, depending on your Admit Until Date and the length of your new bachelor's degree program, you may need to extend your F-1 status in addition to completing the normal SEVIS transfer process. Students should work closely with both QCC and the institution to which they are transferring to.

The new rule restricts F-1 students who have completed a program from beginning another program at the same or a lower educational level. For example, a student who completes an associate's degree must progress to a bachelor's degree. They will not be able to enroll in another associate degree. Please speak with your advisor before applying to begin a second associate's degree.

For students admitted under the new rule, the F-1 grace period following completion of an academic program will generally be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. This means students will have less time after completing their program to prepare for departure or take other permitted immigration actions. Plan early and speak with the International Student Center before your program end date.

The new rule also changes certain requirements associated with F-1 Optional Practical Training. There are transition provisions for students who are already in F-1 status when the rule takes effect, and additional requirements are scheduled to apply to OPT applications after the transition period. Because OPT eligibility and filing requirements will depend on your individual circumstances and timing, students considering OPT should meet with a QCC DSO well before completing their degree. Do not wait until your final weeks at QCC to discuss OPT.

The new rules also affect spouses and children in F-2 status. In general, an F-2 dependent's authorized period of stay will be connected to the F-1 student's authorized period of stay. If an F-1 student needs to extend their F-1 status, their F-2 dependents will generally need to extend their status as well. If you have dependents in F-2 status, please inform your DSO when discussing any extension of your F-1 status.

1. Check your Form I-20.
   Know the program end date currently listed on your I-20

2. Review your academic progress.
   If you do not believe you will complete your degree by your current program end date, contact the International Student Center as soon as possible.

3. Meet with your academic advisor.
   Make sure you understand which courses you still need to complete your degree and develop a realistic timeline for graduation.

4. Speak with a DSO before international travel.
   Travel and reentry after September 15, 2026 may change your immigration situation because you may receive a fixed Admit Until Date when you reenter.

5. Plan ahead if you intend to transfer.
   If you plan to continue from QCC to a bachelor's degree program, speak with the International Student Center before requesting the transfer of your SEVIS record.

6. Do not wait until your I-20 is about to expire.
   Extensions under the new rule may require additional federal filings and processing time. Contact the International Student Center as soon as you believe you may need additional time.