Washington, D.C. Duration of Status or also known as D/S is a policy that allows F international students and their dependents and J exchange visitors to remain in the United States so long as they are making normal progress towards completing their academic programs or exchange objectives or are engaging in options practical training (OPT/STEM) and they are properly tracked in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
On July 17, 2026, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of DHS published a final rule ending D/S for F, J, and I nonimmigrants replacing it with a fixed admission period, and this was scheduled to be effective on September 15, 2026, (60 days after the date of official publication).
On August 18, 2026, Association of International Educators (NAFSA) and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration led a coalition of associations and unions in announcing a lawsuit challenging the final rule. On September 14, the U.S. District Court granted preliminary nationwide relief, immediately blocking implementation of the new rule concerning Duration of Status for F, J, and I nonimmigrants while the lawsuit continues.
Note: This is a blog post by Adhikari Law PLLC and should NOT be construed as a legal advice. Changes in immigration policies and procedures are complex and may require a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.
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