GuideVisa & I-20 rules
No more D/S: what the fixed admission period means for F-1 boarding school students
Since September 15, 2026, new F-1 students are no longer admitted for "duration of status" (D/S) but until a fixed date: the program end date on the Form I-20, capped at 4 years, plus 30 days to depart. A boarding school student who needs more time must apply to USCIS for an extension of stay (Form I-539) or leave and be readmitted. Students already here on D/S keep their I-20 program end date, up to a limit of November 14, 2030.
Oct 10, 2026USAnaru™
