New F-1 and J-1 Visa Regulations

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule in the Federal Register, introducing significant changes to F-1 and J-1 Visa regulations. The changes are scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.

The DHS also published an official Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page here that provides answers to many of your F-1 visa questions about the new rule. Make sure to check out the FAQ, as it covers establishing a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure for non-immigrant academic students and exchange visitors.

The Fresno State International Office has created this webpage to post important information and updates about these changes.

You can access our most recent email communications to currently enrolled international students by clicking on the links below:

• July 18, 2026
• July 24, 2026
• July 31, 2026

Important Changes

Replacement of “Duration of Status” with “Fixed Period of Stay”
Before September 15, 2026, when arriving in the United States through a Port of Entry, usually an international airport, F-1 or J-1 Visa holders were granted legal permission to remain in the U.S. for Duration of Status (D/S). This designation can be found on the electronic Form I-94 issued by the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) official who checked your documents when you arrived in the U.S. You can look up your Form I-94 here.

This meant that F-1 and J-1 Visa holders could remain in the United States for as long as their legal status, as students, remained valid. International students maintain their valid legal status by following all applicable rules and extending the Program End Date on their Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) when necessary to complete their studies. 

However, after September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 Visa-holding international students will be permitted to remain in the United States only for a fixed period. 

So what does this actually mean? 
Starting September 15, 2026, if an international student needs additional time to complete their studies beyond the Program End Date listed on their Form I-20, they will be required to submit an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539) to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Previously, that extension was co-approved by an academic advisor and a Designated School Official (DSO) (a staff member at the International Office). Effective September 15, 2026, USCIS will be the final, additional authority to approve or deny Extension of Stay (EOS) applications, and this process will require more steps and time.

Important Provision: As long as an F-1 or J-1 Visa-holder has timely filed an Application to Extend / Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539) to USCIS, they will be legally permitted to remain in the United States while their application is pending. 

Departure Grace Period Reduced, from 60 Days to 30 Days
Students admitted to the United States on the basis of Duration of Status have traditionally been allowed an additional 60 days beyond their Form I-20 Program End Date to depart the U.S. However, beginning September 15, 2026, students who enter the US on or after that date will only be granted a 30-day grace period, instead of the previous 60 days. 

Limitations on Changes in Educational Objectives
Starting September 15, 2026, undergraduate students will be able to change their major or transfer to another school only after completing their first year of study in the U.S., unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) grants a case-by-case exception due to “extenuating circumstances.”

Graduate students will not be eligible to change their majors or educational levels  or transfer schools, unless SEVP grants them a case-by-case exception due to “extenuating circumstances”

Also, students will not be authorized to do a ‘lateral’ or ‘reverse’ matriculation. This means that, if you have completed a Bachelor’s degree and wish to continue studying in the United States, you will need to transfer to a Master’s degree program or a graduate-level Certificate program. Similarly, if you have completed a Master’s degree and wish to continue studying in the United States, your next step must be to transfer to a doctoral program. 

Cap on Length of American English Institute Studies
Effective September 15, 2026, students enrolled in the Fresno State American English Institute (AEI) will be allowed a maximum period of study of 24 months. Students wishing to study at Fresno State longer would need to be accepted by and enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree program (please click here for more information).

What the International Office Is Doing to Help International Students
Over the coming weeks, we will:

• Continually review the new regulations and any new federal guidance,
• Update Fresno State policies and procedures as needed,
• Host information webinars in August and September,
• Communicate updates with students, scholars, and campus partners.

What You Can Do
For now, we encourage you to:

• Continue maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status as usual,
• Watch your Fresno State email and this website for future updates,
• Attend at least one of our upcoming information webinars,
• Contact the International Office if you have questions about your individual situation.

We're Here to Help
We understand that these immigration policy changes can raise questions and concerns. Please know that the International Office is committed to helping you, our international students and scholars, navigate these new regulations. As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide you with updates and guidance to help you understand what these changes mean for you.

If you have an urgent question, please contact the Fresno State International Office at international@mail.fresnostate.edu or reach out to your assigned International Advisor either by email or in person (both appointments and walk-ins are available)