Maintaining F-1 and J-1 status: the basics (fixed admission period since Sept. 15, 2026)
To keep F-1 or J-1 status, a student must attend the school or program on their I-20 or DS-2019 full time, keep documents valid, and leave or extend before the admission period ends. Since September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 students are admitted for a fixed period — the program dates (up to 4 years) plus 30 days — instead of 'duration of status', so needing more time means applying to USCIS for an extension.
Who issues / uses itThe student is responsible. The DSO (F-1) or the sponsor's RO (J-1) keeps the SEVIS record; USCIS decides extensions; CBP records admission on the I-94.
When in the processFrom arrival until departure — check dates every term.
CostExtension of stay applications carry a USCIS fee set in USCIS fee rules (see uscis.gov); not listed here.
Last checked2026-10-10
Steps
- Report to your school or sponsor on time after you arrive.
- Attend a full course of study; for high school, the class hours the school requires for normal progress toward graduation.
- Keep your passport valid and keep every I-20 or DS-2019 you are issued.
- Tell your DSO or sponsor about any change of address, and before any travel outside the U.S.
- Check the 'admit until' date on your I-94. If you need more time, ask the DSO/RO for an updated form and file an extension of stay with USCIS before that date.
- Do not work without authorization (J-1 high-school students: only occasional jobs like babysitting).
- After the program ends you have 30 days to leave, change status or start a new program as allowed.
What changed on September 15, 2026
A final DHS rule (91 FR 44976, published July 17, 2026) replaced "duration of status" (D/S) for F and J with a fixed admission period:
- F-1: admitted for the time needed to finish the program on the I-20, up to 4 years, plus up to 30 days before the start date and 30 days after the end. Public high school F-1 study stays capped at 12 months in total.
- J-1: admitted until the program end date on the DS-2019, up to 4 years, plus 30 days before and 30 days after.
- More time: a program end date on a new I-20/DS-2019 by itself no longer extends your stay. You file an extension of stay with USCIS (with the DSO's or sponsor's updated form, fee and any biometrics) before your admission period ends.
- F-1 transfers: students below graduate level generally may not transfer or change level in the first academic year without an SEVP exception.
- Same-level programs: someone who completes a program after September 15, 2026 may not get F-1 status for another program at the same or a lower educational level. Families considering a postgraduate (PG) year after high school graduation should ask the school's DSO how this applies.
If you were already in the U.S. before the rule took effect, transition rules may apply — ask your DSO or sponsor.
Everyday basics
- F-1 high school: attend the class hours your school requires for normal progress toward graduation (8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(E)).
- Travel: ask the DSO or sponsor before leaving the U.S.; you need valid documents to come back.
- Address: report changes to the DSO or sponsor.
Common mistakes
- Assuming you may stay as long as you are enrolled — admissions are now for a fixed period shown on the I-94.
- Filing an extension after the I-94 date has passed.
- Dropping below full-time study or long unexcused absences.
- Unauthorized work.
- Planning a second high-school program at the same level after finishing one (for example a postgraduate year) without first asking the DSO how the new rule applies.
Questions
Is 'D/S' still on new I-94 records?
Under the final rule effective September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 students are admitted until a fixed date (program end date, up to 4 years) plus 30 days. Check the 'admit until' date on your I-94.
My child will take five years to finish high school. What happens after four?
A student who cannot finish within the admission period may apply to USCIS for an extension of stay, with an updated I-20 from the DSO, before the admission period ends. Plan this with the DSO early.
Can my child do a postgraduate (PG) year at a boarding school after graduating?
The new rule says someone who completes a program after September 15, 2026 may not obtain F-1 status for a program at the same or a lower educational level. Ask the school's DSO how this applies to a PG year before you apply.
Official sources
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)–(7) — F-1 period of stay, full course of study, extension of stay — eCFR · checked 2026-10-10
- 8 CFR 214.2(j)(1)(ii), (iv) — J-1 admission period and extension of stay — eCFR · checked 2026-10-10
- Final rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure … (91 FR 44976) — Federal Register (U.S. DHS), effective 2026-09-15 · checked 2026-10-10
- Students and the Form I-20 — U.S. DHS, Study in the States · checked 2026-10-10
Information, not legal advice. We summarize public U.S. government sources in our own words; rules and fees change. Confirm with the school’s DSO (F-1), your sponsor’s Responsible Officer (J-1) or the U.S. embassy or consulate before you act.
Cite as: USAnaru™ — https://usanaru.com/documents/maintaining-f1-j1-status