Duration of Status Final Rule Now Available

Posted on July 17, 2026

As previously shared by the Office of International Services, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been developing a new regulation that would make changes to some visa categories.

The final version of the federal “Duration of Status (D/S)” rule has been released and is expected to be officially published on Friday, July 17. The rule is expected to go into effect 60 days after publication. More specific background information is included below.

The Office of International Services (OIS) staff are actively reviewing and analyzing the contents of the final rule to develop advising and action plans for the international community and administrators. Details on next steps, frequently asked questions and live question-and-answer sessions will be shared via email in the coming days.

In the meantime, individuals on F, J, and I nonimmigrant visa programs who have questions should contact an OIS advisor via email or by scheduling an appointment. Please note, however, that guidance will be preliminary until the office has had the opportunity to consider the full scope of the new rule.

The Office of International Services is committed to fostering a supportive environment for international students, scholars, and employees at UIC. Our mission includes providing the highest quality immigration guidance, even and especially through periods of regulatory change.

Background Information

As previously reported by the Office of International Services, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been advancing a 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”) to significantly change the F, J, and I nonimmigrant visa programs. Most notably, the proposed rule would eliminate “Duration of Status (D/S)” and replace it with fixed-date admission to the U.S.

The final version of the rule is now available on the Federal Register website, and the current effective date is Sept. 15, 2026.

Please note that the information shared in this message is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.