F-1, J-1 AND I VISA HOLDERS LOSE D/S | FIXED I-94 DATES ARE COMING

F-1, J-1 AND I VISA HOLDERS LOSE D/S | FIXED I-94 DATES ARE COMING

#F1Visa #StudentVisa #J1Visa #IVisa #DurationOfStatus #DStatus #USImmigration #InternationalStudents #USCIS #SEVIS #ImmigrationNews #ImmigrationLaw

A major immigration rule is changing how F students, J exchange visitors, and I foreign-media representatives are admitted to the United States.

The traditional “Duration of Status,” or D/S, system is being replaced with fixed admission periods. That means the expiration date on the I-94 will become much more important.

In this video, we explain:

• what is replacing D/S,

• how long F, J and I holders may be admitted,

• when an extension of stay may be required,

• how the transition rules work, and

• why international travel could change the I-94 situation.

⚠️ Students and exchange visitors should no longer assume that an updated school document by itself always protects their period of stay.

If you are an F-1 student, a J-1 exchange visitor, or an I visa foreign-media representative, this is a major immigration change you need to understand.

The federal government is ending the traditional Duration of Status system, commonly shown on the I-94 as D/S, and replacing it with fixed periods of admission.

So what exactly does this mean?

Under the old system, many F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted for D/S instead of being given a specific expiration date on the I-94.

As long as they properly maintained their status and continued their authorized program, they could generally remain without filing an extension simply because a calendar date had passed.

That system is changing.

Under the new rule, F and J nonimmigrants will generally be admitted for the length of the program shown on the I-20 or DS-2019, but normally for no more than four years, plus the applicable departure period.

If more time is needed, the person may need to file an extension of stay with USCIS.

This means the expiration date on the I-94 will become much more important.

For example, a student may need additional time because of:

• a longer degree program,

• a change in educational level,

• an academic delay,

• or another legitimate program reason.

The four-year limit does NOT mean that every student must finish a degree within four years.

It means that people in longer programs may have to request additional time through the immigration process.

There is also a transition rule for people who are already in the United States in D/S when the new rule takes effect.

In general, properly maintaining F and J nonimmigrants who were admitted for D/S before the effective date can remain under the transition rule until the program end date shown on the I-20 or DS-2019, or up to four years after the effective date, whichever comes first.

But travel can change the situation.

If a person leaves the United States and then returns after the new rule takes effect, CBP may issue a new I-94 with a fixed expiration date.

That is why international travel becomes especially important under the new system.

There is another major issue: unlawful presence.

With a fixed expiration date, remaining in the United States beyond the authorized period can create much clearer overstay consequences.

Students and exchange visitors should therefore pay close attention to:

• the I-94 expiration date,

• the I-20 or DS-2019 program end date,

• any extension-of-stay filing deadline,

• and the effect of international travel.

The rule also contains employment-related provisions, including limited automatic employment extensions in certain situations while a timely extension request is pending.

But those rules depend on the category and the type of employment.

So do not assume that every F-1, J-1, or I visa holder automatically receives the same employment protection.

Important:

An updated school document by itself may not always extend the period authorized by immigration law once fixed admission dates apply.

The I-94 will become a critical document.

If you are in F-1, J-1, or I status, check your I-94 after every entry into the United States and do not wait until the expiration date is close before asking whether an extension is necessary.

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