F-1 Duration of Status (D/S): What English Language Students Need to Know Before September 15, 2026

Posted August 18, 2026

For many international students, studying in the United States begins with obtaining an F-1 Student Visa and enrolling in an English language program to develop the language skills needed for future educational and career goals.

For students already in the United States in F-1 status, maintaining lawful immigration status is a crucial part of the experience.

One of the most important concepts F-1 students should understand is F-1 Duration of Status (D/S) and how the U.S. government’s 2026 regulatory changes may affect students who are studying, extending their programs, transferring schools, or continuing their education in the United States.

September 15, 2026 is currently scheduled to be the effective date of a final DHS rule that changes the traditional Duration of Status framework for F-1 and J-1 admissions. Under the new system, students admitted or readmitted under the new framework will generally receive a fixed period of admission rather than the traditional “D/S” notation.

For English language students, understanding these changes early is particularly important because an English program is often the first step toward a longer educational journey in the United States.

Important: Immigration regulations and implementation procedures can change, and individual circumstances may affect how these rules apply. This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Students should speak with their school’s Designated School Official (DSO) or a qualified immigration attorney regarding their individual situation.

What Is F-1 Duration of Status (D/S)?

F-1 Duration of Status (D/S) is the admission notation traditionally used on the I-94 records of many F-1 students entering the United States.

Under the current D/S framework, F-1 students can generally remain in the United States for the duration of their authorized program as long as they continue to maintain their F-1 status and comply with applicable immigration requirements.

This generally means students must:

Maintain full-time enrollment when required
Make normal progress toward completing their program
Follow F-1 immigration regulations
Maintain a valid Form I-20
Follow the requirements associated with their F-1 status

Rather than receiving a fixed departure date on the I-94, students admitted under D/S have traditionally been permitted to remain in the United States for the duration of their authorized program, subject to maintaining status.

For students, understanding F-1 Duration of Status is important because maintaining status is not simply about having a valid F-1 visa stamp. Students must also comply with the requirements of their F-1 status while in the United States.

What Is Changing on September 15, 2026?

Beginning September 15, 2026, a final Department of Homeland Security rule is scheduled to replace D/S admissions for new F-1 and J-1 admissions with a fixed period of admission.

Instead of an I-94 showing “D/S,” students admitted or readmitted under the new system will generally receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) showing a specific end date for their authorized admission.

Under the new framework, students who need to remain in the United States beyond their authorized admission period may need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), depending on their individual circumstances.

This represents an important change from the traditional F-1 Duration of Status system, where authorized stay has generally been connected to maintaining student status and complying with program requirements rather than a fixed I-94 expiration date.

Because the new system introduces additional requirements related to authorized stay, extensions, transfers, and academic mobility, F-1 students should begin planning ahead.

How Does the F-1 Duration of Status Change Affect English Language Students?

English language students should pay particular attention to these changes because language study is often only the first step in a longer educational journey.

Many students begin with an English language program and later:

Extend their English language studies
Transfer to a college or university
Transfer to a Professional Development Program
Transfer to a vocational or specialized program
Pursue another educational objective

Under the traditional F-1 Duration of Status system, eligible educational transitions are generally managed through the student’s school and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

However, the new fixed-period framework introduces additional requirements in certain circumstances.

Depending on the student’s situation, authorized admission period, educational plans, and travel history, additional immigration filings or approvals may be required.

For this reason, students should speak with their DSO before extending a program, transferring schools, changing educational levels, or making international travel plans.

What Should F-1 English Language Students Do Before September 15, 2026?

If you are currently studying English in the United States and plan to continue your education, it is wise to review your situation early.

Here are practical steps to consider.

1. Review Your Form I-20 End Date

Check the program completion date listed on your current Form I-20.

If your educational plans extend beyond that date, speak with your school’s DSO as soon as possible about available options.

Do not wait until your program is about to expire.

2. Discuss Program Extensions Early

Students who need additional time to complete their English language studies should discuss a program extension with their DSO before their current program end date.

Planning early gives your school time to review your situation and explain what procedures may apply.

Under the new fixed-period system, some students may also need to consider whether an Extension of Stay application with USCIS is required.

3. Plan Your Next Educational Step

If you intend to continue studying after your English program, begin discussing your plans with your school now.

Your next step could include:

Continuing English language studies
Transferring to a Professional Development Program
Continuing to a degree program
Pursuing vocational education
Beginning another eligible educational program

Advance planning can help you understand what school procedures and immigration requirements may apply to your situation.

4. Keep Your SEVIS Record Active

Maintaining an active SEVIS record is essential for F-1 students.

Students should:

Remain enrolled as required
Maintain satisfactory attendance
Follow school policies
Maintain valid immigration documents
Keep passport information current
Keep contact information updated
Communicate with their DSO about changes to their educational plans

If your circumstances change, contact your DSO instead of assuming that a change is automatically permitted.

5. Seek Guidance From Your DSO

Your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) is an important resource for questions about maintaining F-1 status and your SEVIS record.

A DSO can help explain school procedures, coordinate eligible transfers, update SEVIS information when appropriate, and explain what documentation may be required.

However, DSOs are not immigration attorneys and cannot provide legal advice.

For complex immigration questions, students may also want to consult a qualified immigration attorney.

Why Educational Level Changes Matter for F-1 Students

One area that can create confusion is moving from one educational level or program to another.

Examples include moving from an English language program to a:

Vocational program
Professional Development Program
Bachelor’s degree program
Other eligible academic program

These changes should not be assumed to happen automatically.

Students should work closely with their DSO to ensure that the appropriate SEVIS procedures are followed and that a new Form I-20 is issued when required.

The 2026 rule also introduces changes related to academic mobility, including transfers and changes in educational objectives.

Because incorrectly documenting a program change can create serious immigration complications, students should always discuss their plans with their DSO before changing programs.

How Will F-1 Status Be Different After September 15, 2026?

The most important difference is that the traditional F-1 Duration of Status (D/S) framework will be replaced for new admissions by a fixed period of admission.

Under the traditional D/S system:

The I-94 generally shows D/S
Authorized stay is connected to maintaining F-1 status
Students generally do not have a fixed I-94 expiration date
Program changes and transfers are handled through established SEVIS procedures

Under the new fixed-admission system:

The I-94 will generally show an Admit Until Date (AUD)
Students will need to pay closer attention to their authorized admission period
Additional time may require an Extension of Stay application
Certain academic changes and transfers will have additional requirements
International travel after the effective date may affect which admission rules apply

Students admitted under the new system should carefully track the date on their I-94 and communicate with their DSO before their authorized admission period ends.

What Happens to F-1 Students Already in the U.S. Before September 15, 2026?

This is an important distinction.

The September 15, 2026 change does not simply mean that every F-1 student currently in the United States will automatically lose D/S on that date.

The final rule includes transition provisions for certain students who were already admitted under D/S and are maintaining valid status when the new system takes effect.

However, individual circumstances can differ.

International travel is particularly important. A student who leaves the United States and returns on or after the effective date may be admitted under the new fixed-period system rather than receiving D/S.

Students considering international travel should therefore speak with their DSO before leaving the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also recommends that F-1 students consult their DSO regarding travel and reentry because individual circumstances can affect whether a student is admitted back into the United States. (⁠Instituto de Comercio Exterior)

What Is an Admit Until Date (AUD)?

An Admit Until Date (AUD) is the specific date showing the end of a student’s authorized admission period under the new fixed-admission framework.

This is different from the traditional D/S notation.

Starting September 15, 2026, eligible F-1 students entering or reentering the United States under the new system will generally receive a specific admission end date rather than D/S.

Students should check their Form I-94 after entering the United States and make sure they understand the date shown on their record.

Official resource:
⁠Check Your I-94 — U.S. Customs and Border Protection

What Is an Extension of Stay (EOS)?

An Extension of Stay (EOS) is an application submitted to USCIS when an eligible nonimmigrant needs additional time in the United States beyond the authorized period of admission.

Under the new fixed-period system, some F-1 students may need to file an Extension of Stay application if they need additional time to continue their studies beyond the authorized admission period.

Whether an EOS application is required depends on the student’s individual circumstances and the applicable rules.

Students should not wait until the last minute to determine whether additional time may be necessary.

Official resource:
⁠USCIS — Extension of Stay Information

Can F-1 Students Continue Studying in the USA After September 15, 2026?

Yes.

F-1 students can continue pursuing eligible educational programs in the United States, provided they meet the applicable immigration and program requirements.

The important change is not that international students can no longer continue studying.

Instead, the new rules change how authorized admission periods, extensions, transfers, and certain academic changes are handled.

Students who plan to continue their education should speak with their DSO early and understand what procedures may apply to their situation.

Can I Extend My English Language Program After September 15, 2026?

Potentially, yes.

Students who need additional time to complete their English language program should contact their DSO before their current program end date.

Your school can explain whether a program extension is appropriate and what procedures apply.

Under the new fixed-period admission system, some students may also need to submit an Extension of Stay application to USCIS if they need to remain in the United States beyond their authorized admission period.

The requirements depend on the student’s individual circumstances.

What Should English Language Students Do Before September 15, 2026?

If you are currently studying English in the United States, consider taking these steps:

Review the end date on your Form I-20.
Check your current Form I-94.
Confirm that your SEVIS record is active.
Speak with your DSO about your educational plans.
Discuss any program extension.
Discuss any school transfer.
Ask about changes in educational level.
Review upcoming international travel plans.
Ask whether the new rules may require additional immigration filings.
Keep your passport and contact information current.

The most important step is to plan ahead rather than wait until your program or authorized stay is about to expire.

F-1 Duration of Status: Frequently Asked Questions

What is F-1 Duration of Status (D/S)?

F-1 Duration of Status (D/S) is the admission notation traditionally used on the I-94 records of many F-1 students entering the United States.

What changes for F-1 students on September 15, 2026?

Starting September 15, 2026, a DHS final rule is scheduled to replace D/S admissions for new F-1 and J-1 admissions with a fixed period of admission.

Instead of receiving an I-94 marked “D/S,” eligible students entering or reentering the United States under the new system will generally receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) showing a specific end date for their authorized admission.

What is an Admit Until Date (AUD)?

An Admit Until Date (AUD) is the specific date that indicates the end of an F-1 student’s authorized period of admission under the new fixed-period system.

What happens to F-1 students who are already in the United States before September 15, 2026?

Not every F-1 student who is already in the United States will automatically lose D/S status on September 15, 2026.

The final rule includes transition provisions for certain students who were already admitted under D/S and are maintaining valid F-1 status when the rule takes effect.

However, individual circumstances can differ.

International travel can also affect how the new admission system applies. Students considering international travel should speak with their DSO before leaving the United States.

Can F-1 students still continue studying in the USA after September 15, 2026?

F-1 students can continue pursuing eligible educational programs in the United States as long as they meet the applicable immigration and program requirements.

Can I extend my English language program after September 15, 2026?

Students who need additional time to complete their English language studies should contact their DSO before their current program end date.

Can I transfer from an English program to a university after September 15, 2026?

Students may continue to pursue eligible educational pathways, including transferring from an English language program to a college or university.

Can I transfer from an English program to a Professional Development Program?

Depending on the program and the student’s individual circumstances, an F-1 student may be able to continue into an eligible Professional Development Program.

What happens if I change my educational level?

Changing from an English language program to another type of educational program may involve a change in educational level or educational objective.

Examples include moving from an English program to a vocational program, Professional Development Program, or degree program.

Students should work with their DSO to ensure that the appropriate SEVIS procedures are followed and that a new Form I-20 is issued when required.

Do I need to apply for an Extension of Stay if my program takes longer than expected?

It depends on your admission status and individual circumstances.

Under the traditional D/S system, F-1 students generally do not need an Extension of Stay simply because their program end date changes, as long as they properly maintain status and their school appropriately extends the program.

Under the new fixed-period admission system, students whose authorized admission period is ending may need to apply for an Extension of Stay with USCIS if they need additional time in the United States.

Students should speak with their DSO well before their program or authorized stay expires.

Can I travel outside the United States after September 15, 2026?

International travel may still be possible, but students should understand how the new rules could affect their admission when they return to the United States.

A student who travels internationally and returns on or after September 15, 2026 may be admitted under the new fixed-period system and receive an Admit Until Date rather than D/S.

Before traveling, students should review their passport, visa, Form I-20, SEVIS record, and other required documents with their DSO.

Where can F-1 students find official information about the new rules?

Students should rely primarily on official U.S. government sources and guidance from their school’s DSO.

Useful resources include:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

Because immigration policies and implementation procedures can change, students should verify current requirements before making decisions about their status, travel, transfers, or extensions.

Final Thoughts: Prepare for the 2026 F-1 Changes

The concept of F-1 Duration of Status (D/S) has long been an important part of the F-1 student experience in the United States.

Beginning September 15, 2026, the DHS final rule is scheduled to introduce a new fixed-period admission system for F-1 and J-1 students, replacing D/S for new admissions with specific admission end dates and creating new procedures for certain extensions and academic changes.

For international students studying English, the most important takeaway is simple:

Plan ahead.

Review your Form I-20, understand your current immigration documents, keep your SEVIS record active, and communicate with your DSO before extending your program, transferring schools, changing educational levels, or traveling internationally.

If your English program is only the first step in your educational journey, start planning your next step early.

Whether you plan to continue your English studies, transfer to a Professional Development Program, pursue a degree, or explore another educational pathway, understanding your options can help you prepare for a smoother transition.

If you have questions about continuing your education at TALK Schools, contact TALK Schools at rosario.s@talk.edu.

Official Resources for F-1 Students

For the most current information, students should use official U.S. government resources and consult their DSO.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal advice, immigration advice, or professional guidance of any kind.

Immigration regulations, government guidance, implementation procedures, and individual circumstances may change. TALK Schools makes no representation or warranty regarding the completeness, accuracy, or continued applicability of the information contained in this article.

Students should speak with their school’s Designated School Official (DSO) regarding school and SEVIS procedures and consult a qualified immigration attorney for legal advice about their individual circumstances.