Information Regarding Changes to Duration of Status for F-1 Students

Questions & Answers for F-1 English Language Students

Below are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers to help English language students understand the new rules around student visas introduced by the US Government. 

The changes replace “duration of status” with a “fixed time period of admission” and are scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. 

These FAQs will continue to be updated as Columbia’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) reviews the new rule and its impacts. Below are ALP / English language (ESL) specific FAQs. Please also see ISSO's FAQs.

Where can I find the official text of this new rule and when was it published?

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published final regulatory changes replacing “duration of status” with a “fixed time period of admission” or Admit Until Date (AUD) scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. 

The new rule replaces “Duration of Status, D/S” with a “fixed time period of admission” to the U.S. What does this mean? 

The D/S policy previously allowed F and J visa holders to stay in the U.S. for the period of stay indicated on their I-94 admission record as “Duration of Status (D/S)”, provided they followed  F and J immigration regulations to maintain their visa status. 

​The new rule replaces the "Duration of Status" (D/S) admission with a fixed period of time, up to the length of the program of study listed on the Form I-20 for F-1 ESL students, not to exceed two years, plus a 30-day period for departure.

What does the AUD mean?

The Admit Until Date (AUD) is a student's maximum period of admission to the United States and is the last day the student is authorized to stay in the United States. F-1 students cannot remain lawfully present in the United States beyond their AUD without taking action to keep  status before their AUD ends.

How many semesters will my ALP I-20 be issued for? 

This will depend on how long you plan on studying. If you are admitted for three terms (for example Fall, Spring, and Summer), and have sufficient funds to get an I-20 for 12 months, you will receive an I-20 for 12 months. If you are admitted for two terms (for example Fall and Spring) and have sufficient funds to get an I-20 for two terms, you will receive an I-20 for two terms. 

Note: if you are not sure of your study plans, but think you might stay longer than one term, we strongly recommend you apply for a long I-20, because extensions are expensive and more complicated under the new rule. It does not mean you have to stay at the ALP if your plans change. Your I-20 can be shortened.  

What if I need to extend my program of study?

If you need to extend your program at the ALP, you must:

  1. Submit an extension request to Compass for the ISSO to recommend the extension in SEVIS before the program end date listed on your I-20 or the Admit Until Date (AUD) listed on your I-94, whichever is earlier.
  2. You will then have to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) by filing a request to and receiving it from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your I-94 expires. When applying for an EOS with USCIS, students must complete and file the Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” pay the required fee, and provide required biometrics (and possibly an interview). 

Alternatively, you may leave the United States and get a new period of admission from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you reenter the US in F-1 status. To do this, you would need a valid visa and not be on a travel ban or restriction list. 

Note: the length of this new admission period will depend on how long you have already studied English in the U.S. Total time cannot be more than 2 years. The clock does not reset to 0 if you leave and re-enter. 

What documents do I need to submit to request an extension?

You will need to upload a support letter from the ALP and new proof of funding covering the session(s) for which you are requesting an extension. The amount required in proof of funds is listed on the ALP website under each session.

Note that getting an extension recommendation on your I-20 is only the first step. The second step is applying to USCIS for approval of the extension, or leaving the US and reentering with your recommended extension I-20 to obtain a new “Admit Until Date” on your I-94.

I received an ALP I-20 and an F-1 visa and would like to change schools upon arrival. Can I transfer to another school?

No. Under the new regulations, you will be required to complete a year of ESL before requesting a transfer and seeking USCIS approval. 

I have entered the US in F-1 status to begin my Columbia undergraduate or graduate program. Will I be able to transfer my F-1 SEVIS record to the ALP to improve my English before my program?

Unfortunately, no. Under the new regulation, F-1 students are only permitted to move to a higher degree level. 

I have completed an undergraduate or graduate program and want to return to English language study to improve my English before applying for another graduate degree. Will I be able to transfer my F-1 SEVIS record to the ALP?

Unfortunately, no. Under the new regulation, F-1 students are only permitted to move to a higher degree level. 

When I arrived in the US for Fall 2026 before September 15, I was admitted for “Duration of Status, D/S.” What will happen if I travel internationally and reenter the US after September 15 with the ALP I-20 to continue studying?

Upon reentering the US, the Port of Entry will stamp your I-94 for the fixed period of stay as indicated on your I-20’s program end date.