International students in the United States faced a major visa change in September 2026. A new Department of Homeland Security rule was scheduled to replace the long-standing Duration of Status system with fixed admission periods. It also proposed reducing the F-1 post-completion departure period from 60 days to 30 days.
However, the situation changed just before the rule was scheduled to begin. On September 14, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking implementation. As a result, the new F-1 visa rule did not take effect on September 15. The existing Duration of Status framework remains in place while litigation continues.
What the Proposed F-1 Rule Would Have Changed
Under the DHS plan, most new F-1 students would have received a fixed admission period tied to their academic program. The period could generally have lasted for the program’s duration, subject to a four-year maximum. Students needing additional time could have been required to seek an extension through U.S. immigration authorities.
The proposed rule also would have shortened the standard post-completion departure period from 60 days to 30 days. Federal guidance described the change as applying after completion of a program or authorized post-completion OPT or STEM OPT.
Why the 30-Day Window Matters
A shorter departure period could have affected students finishing degrees, completing F-1 status requirements, or moving from student status to another immigration category.
Universities also warned students about potential consequences involving international travel. Guidance from Harvard’s International Office, Yale’s immigration office, and Columbia’s international student office outlined how the proposed system could affect admission periods, travel, extensions, and academic plans.
Federal Court Puts the Change on Hold
The September 14 court order means the proposed fixed-admission system is currently not operative. Students generally continue under the existing Duration of Status framework, provided they maintain their F-1 requirements.
The ruling is preliminary rather than a permanent resolution. Reuters reported that the federal judge blocked the rule before its scheduled effective date, leaving the broader legal dispute unresolved.
What International Students Should Watch
For now, students should continue following current university and SEVP guidance. The proposed 30-day departure requirement is not currently in force. However, the underlying lawsuit could produce further changes.
Students approaching graduation, OPT completion, international travel, or a change in immigration status should monitor updates from their university’s international student office and official U.S. government sources. The legal status of the proposed rule may change as the case proceeds.
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