Changes to J1 Visas

20 July 2026

In consultation with our national union (United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, UE), we have compiled some information and frequently-asked questions (FAQs) on how recent changes to J1 visas might impact workers in our union. Read on below.

Overview

This document is a summary of the 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” published by the Department of Homeland Security on July 16th, 2026. This document does not constitute legal advice. Consult an immigration attorney for legal advice on this matter.

Key Terms:

• AUD = Admit Until Date

• DHS = Department of Homeland Security

• D/S = Duration of Status

• DSO = Designated School Official

• OPT = Optional Practical Training

Link to Final Rule HERE.

Summary of Final Rule: 

* Date subject to change based on congressional review or judicial challenge.

• Starting September 15, 2026*, when J- and F- visa holders (including F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2) enter the United States, they will be admitted for the length of their program or 4 years, whichever is shorter.

• The I-94 is a document produced by the Department of Homeland Security that shows until what date someone may stay in the United States, or the “Admit Until Date” (AUD).

• Transition Provisions: Scholars currently in the United States admitted for Duration of Status:

  • • Unless they leave the United States, their program end date is the EARLIER of these two:

      • The program end date written on their i-20 (F- visas) or DS-2019 (J- visas)

      • Four (4) years after this policy goes into effect (September 14, 2030)*.

    • If someone initially admitted for D/S leaves and re-enters the United States after 9/15/26*, they will be admitted under the new guidelines. 

    • F- visa holders admitted for D/S before 9/15/26* will still have the 60 day grace period unless they leave and re-enter the United States.

    • OPT: F-1 students admitted for D/S before 9/15/26* who remain present in the United States between 7/16/26 and 9/15/26* who apply for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT on or before 3/18/27* will not have to file an i-539 with USCIS to extend their status.

• • Program Extensions: 

    • Scholars currently in the United States wishing to extend their stay will now have to submit form i-539 Application to Extend Nonimmigrant Status to USCIS. Previously, Designated School Officials (DSOs) could extend end dates without applying for USCIS approval. 

      • I-539s generally cost $420 if filed online.

    • “This is a significant change that will require new fees, procedures, additional processing time, and understanding of important immigration documents.” – University of Minnesota

    • As long as USCIS receives the i-539 application before the i-94’s Admit Until Date, the individual is not considered “out of status” or with unlawful presence. 

    • Contact your school’s office of international scholars as early as possible if you believe you will need to extend your stay. 

    • OPT: Unless exempted under the Transition Provisions, F-1 scholars recommended for OPT will have to apply for an extension of stay (i-539) in addition to applying for employment authorization.

• Grace Period: F- visa holders will only have 30 days to leave the country or apply for another status (instead of the previous 60-day time frame). J- visa holders still have 30 days. 

• Academic Flow/Mobility: 

  • F-1 visa holders will not be able to enroll in a subsequent program that is at the same level or below the level of their current program.

  • Graduate students cannot change majors or “educational objectives” “at any point during their program of study.” 

  • School transfers will only be approved on a case-by-case basis for “extenuating circumstances.”

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

* Date subject to change based on congressional review or judicial challenge.

I am already in the United States with “D/S” (Duration of Status) on my i-94. What will this mean for me? 

Unless you leave the United States, your program end date is the EARLIER of these two:

1. The program end date written on your i-20 (F visas) or DS-2019 (J visas).

2. Four (4) years after this policy goes into effect (September 14, 2030)*. 

I am here on Duration of Status and am weighing transferring to a different program. What should I consider? 

After 9/15/26*, your options will be more limited. See “Academic Flow/Mobility” above. 

What can people currently in the United States on Duration of Status do to prepare?

• If you are currently in the United States on D/S, find your most recent i-94 and review your program end date on your i-20 or DS-2019.

• If you are thinking of leaving the United States after 9/15/26*, be aware that will trigger a potentially earlier Admit Until Date. 

If I have already been admitted for Duration of Status and I leave the United States after the rule goes into effect on September 15th*, will I be admitted for Duration of Status?

NO.

I plan to come to the United States on an F- or J- visa before 9/15/26. Will I be admitted for Duration of Status? Is there anything I should do to prepare?

• Yes, people entering on F- and J- visas before 9/15/26* should be admitted for D/S.

• There is a chance the implementation date of 9/15/26 might change, due to congressional action or a lawsuit against the policy. These two factors can only delay the implementation date, not rush it. 

• Note that this policy addresses for how long someone is admitted, and not whether they are admitted. There are many reasons DHS might deny admittance to someone at a port of entry, which are not addressed here. 

My program start date is after 9/15/26. How much time before the start date on my i-20 or DS-2019 can I enter the United States?

Unless you have permission to enter the United States under another legal status, you can enter the United States maximum 30 days before your program start date.

Resources

• Find your most recent i-94. 

  • Tips for navigating this website.

• NAFSA Association of International Educators analysis (detailed).

• studyinthestates.dhs.gov is run by DHS. Here is their “quick facts” page on the elimination of D/S.

• Guidance from specific universities:

  • Cornell 

  • Dartmouth Office of Visa and Immigration Services: “OVIS is reviewing the new rule and will be providing information and resources on our Duration of Status webpages, as well as offering information sessions for students, exchange visitors, and campus partners and stakeholders in the coming days and weeks.”

  • John Hopkins University: “We are reviewing the rule and will provide more guidance as soon as possible.”

  • Northwestern University Office of International Student & Scholar Services: “While Northwestern analyzes this complex rule, we are working to update our website and communicate guidance as quickly as possible.”

  • Stanford (Bechtel International Center) - D/S announcement

    • Stanford will host “multiple webinars next Thursday (July 23), so please be on the lookout for emails from Bechtel and check back regularly for updates on this site. In the meantime, please reach out to the Bechtel Team with any questions.”

  • University of Minnesota

    • ISSS Current Message on Federal Immigration Changes; updated 7/17/26

    • Current Information on Proposal to End “Duration of Status”; updated 7/17/26

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: "We are aware. We have communicated this (basic) update with international students/scholars."

  • University of Iowa – Federal Updates on Immigration Regulations

As of 7/20/26 8:30am EST, no updates from:

• • MIT International Scholars Office (ISchO) website (latest update on 9/2/25)

  • U Chicago Office of International Affairs

  • University of New Mexico International Student and Scholar Services 

  • New Mexico State University 

  • NC State University Office of International Services