The Duration-of-Status Rule

“Keep me posted on DHS ending duration of status for F-1 and J-1 students: the final rule, the lawsuits, any delay or injunction, and what schools are telling students.”

Checked 09-30-2026 12:07 PM · brief rewritten 09-30-2026 12:09 PM

Where it stands

  1. Federal Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV granted a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking DHS's final rule ending Duration of Status for F-1 and J-1 students on September 14, 2026 46718.
  2. The court order effectively prohibits DHS and ICE from implementing the rule that would have replaced D/S with fixed four-year admission periods 791118.
  3. DHS is barred from taking any further action to enforce the new fixed-term admission framework while the litigation proceeds 811918.
  4. The injunction was issued just one day before the rule's originally scheduled effective date of September 15, 2026 251418.
  5. Plaintiffs including NAFSA, the Presidents' Alliance, and the Association of Independent Colleges filed the lawsuit challenging the administration's policy 112818.
  6. DHS retains the authority to appeal the decision to the First Circuit Court of Appeals 1318.
  7. A status conference regarding the case is scheduled for October 2, 2026 1318.
  8. The existing Duration of Status framework remains in place for international students pending the court's determination on the merits 3101618.
  9. Schools are currently advising students that their D/S status continues to apply due to the temporary block 141518.
  10. New details indicate F-1 visa holders entering after September 15, 2026, or filing OPT after March 18, 2027, must file an extension under the new rule if it were implemented 1718.

→ Your move: Monitor the October 2 status conference and watch for any DHS appeals to the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

Everything found

1 new this check · 115 on record

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