Current Immigration Concerns

Department of Homeland Security Finalizes Major Regulatory Changes for F-1 International Students:

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media” that will change how F-1 visa holders are admitted to and maintain status in the U.S. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. 

The rule replaces the long-standing framework of being admitted until the completion of the programs known as Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed admission periods known as the Admit Until Date (AUD) and requires certain international students and scholars to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they need additional time in the U.S. to complete their program.

During the transition period between now and September 15, 2026, F-1 visa holders should maintain status by participating in their program as indicated on their Form I-20, following all employment authorization rules. F-1 visa holders should check in with ISS before traveling outside the United States, especially if returning to the United States on or after September 15, 2026. Below are key highlights of the rule. This information constitutes our best verifiable interpretation at this time. More detailed guidance and information about specific situations will be available to all students as we know more.

Fixed admission:

• F-1 students admitted to the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, will be admitted for a fixed period tied to the program dates listed on Form I-20, not to exceed four years. 
• Current students admitted with D/S on their form I-94 can remain in the U.S. through the end date of their I-20, not to extend beyond 4 years past the rule effective date of September 15, 2026. They will not receive a new I-94 with an AUD unless they travel and re-enter or file an extension of stay (Form I-539) and receive an I-797A approval notice which will have a new I-94 with a fixed AUD attached on the bottom of the form.

Extension of stay:

• Starting September 15, 2026, all students who need additional time beyond the fixed admission period must apply to USCIS for an extension of stay. 
• The extension must be recommended by your Immigration Advisor who is a Designated School Official (DSO) before the Form I-20 end date and the extension of stay petition (Form I-539) must be received by USCIS before the student’s admission period expires. If the Form I-539 is filed in a timely manner, the student may remain in the United States in a period of authorized stay while the extension of stay petition is pending, until USCIS issues a decision.
• USCIS may require biometrics and, in some cases, an interview. USCIS has not yet provided information on where or how these requirements will be administered. We will update this section with additional information once it is available.

Grace period:

• The grace period after program completion is shortened to 30 days (from the current 60 days). Upon entry to the U.S. after September 15, the I-94 should reflect the new grace period.

OPT/STEM OPT:

• Transition Provision: Students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT before March 18, 2027, do not need to apply for an extension of stay (Form I-539) when they apply for employment authorization (Form I-765).
• The transition provision no longer applies to students who travel and reenter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026.
• Students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT on or after March 18, 2027, must apply for an extension of stay (Form I-539) through USCIS in addition to filing the employment authorization application (Form I-765). The timing and mechanics of filing both applications are unknown at this time. We will update as additional information is available.

Change of level:

• No F-1 student (graduate or undergraduate) can begin a new program at the same or a lower educational level after completing the program for which they were originally admitted.  

Transfers and change of program:

• Undergraduate students cannot transfer institutions, change educational level, or change major(s) during the first year of study. Changes to major(s), including adding a double major or removing a double major, can be done after the first year of study.
• Graduate students cannot transfer institutions, change educational level, or change program(s) of study at any time during their academic program.

Resources:

 Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has created resources to help students understand these regulatory changes:

• Elimination of Duration of Status Frequently Asked Questions
• Elimination of Duration of Status Quick Facts

ISS will continue to monitor developments around these regulation changes and communicate any updates as quickly as possible.

Disclaimer

The information and updates provided on ISS website reflect our best current understanding of the new regulations and are provided for general informational and educational purposes only. This information is subject to change as we receive additional information. We will continually update ISS website to reflect forthcoming guidance from various agencies on both the interpretation and implementation of the regulations. Information on this webpage does not constitute legal advice. We request that any departments or individuals with immigration related questions regarding the new regulations contact International Student Services directly at iss@uis.edu .  

USCIS Pauses Processing of Immigration Benefits for Individuals from Travel Ban Countries

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a policy memorandum (pdf) that pauses the processing of immigration benefit applications submitted by individuals born in or with citizenship from the countries covered in the Dec. 16, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States. This new memo clarifies and expands a Dec. 2025 USCIS memo (pdf), which paused immigration benefit processing for individuals identified in the June 2025 Presidential Proclamation and called for a re-review of immigration benefits granted to individuals from the included countries who entered the U.S. on or after Jan. 20, 2021. The policy takes effect immediately, and its broad wording suggests that it impacts the processing of both immigrant and nonimmigrant benefit applications, including changes of status, optional practical training, etc. Individuals from countries not identified in the proclamation should expect applications to be processed as usual; however, overall USCIS processing times may increase, leading to delays in adjudication.

Travel Ban Expanded and Revised, Effective January 1, 2026 - Individuals currently holding valid visas may continue to use those visas for travel to the United States; the proclamation explicitly states that existing visas will not be revoked as a result of the proclamation. However, such individuals may be subject to enhanced screening at ports of entry, and possible confusion regarding the scope of the exemption for travelers with currently valid visas.

Executive and Regulatory Actions Under the Second Trump Administration.

Department of State Guidance on Expanded Social Media Screening

F-1 International Students should continue to follow the steps to Maintain Your Immigration Status, which includes the access to your immigration documents. At this time, there have been no changes regarding when or whether to carry your immigration documents. Always bring the originals when traveling out of town. See the Travel Page for what documents to carry when traveling inside and outside the U.S.A.

Read the UIS Immigration page for information and resources for international immigrant communities at UIS.

Travel

Always refer to our Travel Webpage prior to planning any trips outside the USA, to ensure you have the appropriate documentation, including a Travel Signature from our office.

Additional Resources

• Find an Immigration Attorney
• Travel Advisories to Foreign Countries

USCIS Issues Policy Guidance Clarifying How Federal Controlled Substances Law Applies to Naturalization Determinations

USCIS is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that violations of federal controlled substance law, including violations involving marijuana, are generally a bar to establishing good moral character for naturalization, even where that conduct would not be an offense under state law.  The policy guidance also clarifies that an applicant who is involved in certain marijuana-related activities may lack good moral character if found to have violated federal law, even if such activity has been decriminalized under applicable state laws.

Since 1996, some states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to decriminalize the manufacture, possession, distribution, and use of both medical and non-medical (recreational) marijuana in their respective jurisdictions. However, federal law classifies marijuana as a “Schedule I” controlled substance whose manufacture (which includes production, such as planting, cultivation, growing, or harvesting), distribution, dispensing, or possession may lead to immigration consequences.

UIS Statement on Immigration