DHS Ends ‘Duration of Status’ for Students, Exchange Visitors, and Foreign Media

July 17, 2026 · WOWERI

The DHS has ended the ‘Duration of Status’ rule for students, exchange visitors, and foreign media. They must now apply for an extension of stay to remain in the US lawfully.

Apply for an extension of stay in the US if you are a student, exchange visitor, or foreign media representative with an F, J, or I visa

Changes to the Duration of Status Rule for Students, Exchange Visitors, and Foreign Media

The DHS has ended the ‘Duration of Status’ rule for F, J, and I visa holders. This means that they must now apply for an extension of stay to remain in the US lawfully after their initial authorized period of stay expires.

What This Means for You

If you are a student, exchange visitor, or foreign media representative with an F, J, or I visa, you will need to apply for an extension of stay to remain in the US lawfully.

How to Apply

To apply for an extension of stay, you must file Form I-539 with USCIS and pay the required fee. You can find more information on the USCIS website.

Source: cis.org