- July 22, 2026
- By Maryland Today Staff
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a new rule establishing a fixed time period for admission and an extension-of-stay process for F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants. The rule will go into effect on Sept. 15, 2026, and will affect both current and prospective students and scholars.
International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS) is reviewing the new rule and its implications for the UMD community. As additional guidance becomes available, ISSS will update its Duration of Status Rule Change webpage with information and resources to help students and scholars understand how the changes may affect them.
ISSS will also proactively communicate directly with individuals who may be impacted by the changes. Webinars to help members of the community understand the changes are planned for early August, with registration information to be posted on the webpage.
The new rule ends the policy of admitting F and J visa holders for the full duration of their academic program and replaces it with a fixed period of admission, not to exceed four years. It also requires students and scholars who need additional time to complete their program to request an extension through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. ISSS will provide instructions and additional resources regarding the extension process as they become available.
Under the rule, students have a reduced period of time to depart the country—from 60 days to 30 days—following the end of their period of admission. It also adds restrictions on students’ ability to transfer or change their educational objective, and prohibits students who have completed a program from pursuing another degree at the same or lower educational level.
For the latest updates and resources, check the Duration of Status Rule Change webpage regularly.