F-1 Student Regulatory Changes
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule on August 28, 2025, that would change several long-standing practices within the F-1 student experience. The purpose of this page is to provide our students with information regarding what those changes may be, to the best of our ability.
DHS is currently working through the process of finalizing the Federal regulations updates that will provide schools with the details needed to manage their F-1 student population. We will update this page as additional information becomes available and acknowledge that the information we are sharing is subject to change.
Important Note: The rule changes and information discussed on this page are currently under federal review and will remain in a proposed status during that review process. There is no guarantee the proposed rules will become law, nor that the details will be exactly what has been proposed. We will provide updates when the government publishes the final rules and regulations.
The proposed rule would end “Duration of Status” (D/S) admission for individuals in F-1 nonimmigrant visa status and is expected to become effective 60 days after the final rule’s publication date. This means that the period of stay for F-1 students would change from D/S to a specific end date, based on the Program End Date on the Form I-20, not to exceed four years. To extend stay beyond the fixed period, F-1 students would need to file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to extend their nonimmigrant status using .
It is possible that there may be slightly different implications for F-1 students who remain in the U.S. during and after the implementation of the new rules. These details will be updated as more information is published.
The proposed rule contains provisions that will limit academic mobility for F-1 students. Some of the rules will vary depending on degree level, but all F-1 students will be prohibited from beginning a new degree program at the same or lower educational level from the program the student completes. For example, a student completing a bachelor’s degree will not be permitted to pursue a second bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree. The student will only be able to move to a higher educational level, such as a master’s degree program.
The proposed rule states that undergraduate level students will not be able to change their program of study (major) or transfer to a new school until they have completed one full year of study. There may be exceptions based on extenuating circumstances, such as a school closing or the school not being able to provide in-person classes due to a natural disaster. Decisions regarding exceptions will be made by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) division of USCIS.
An F-1 student who wishes to pursue a degree at a higher level will need to file an application with USCIS to extend their nonimmigrant status using . This will require advance planning to obtain a Form I-20 for the new program and apply in a timely manner to accommodate USCIS processing times.
The proposed rule states that post-baccalaureate students will not be eligible to change their program of study or transfer to a new school. There is not a provision to allow for extenuating circumstances exceptions.
An F-1 student who wishes to pursue a degree at a higher level will need to file an application with USCIS to extend their nonimmigrant status using . This will require advance planning to obtain a Form I-20 for the new program and apply in a timely manner to accommodate USCIS processing times.
A fixed date of admission means that F-1 students will be required to apply to USCIS for an Extension of Status (EOS) in several situations that are currently permitted under the D/S admission designation. Students will apply for the EOS by filing Form I-539 with USCIS. The current fee for the I-539 is $470 (paper) or $420 (online). Students with dependents must file Form I-539 for each dependent but will not need to pay a separate fee if all forms are filed together.
A student who cannot complete all degree requirements by the program end date on their I-20 must apply for a Program Extension. The proposed rule will change this process and require students to navigate a two-stage process for approval. The student will first apply to the International Compliance Team (ICT) to extend their program end date. If approved, the student will then use the new extended and signed I-20 to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay by filing Form I-539. The Form I-539 currently requires a fee of $470 (paper) or $420 (online).
Students who apply for an extension of status before the program end date on their I-20 and who are engaged in on-campus employment will receive an automatic extension of their work authorization for up to 240 days while the I-539 is pending.
Students who apply for an extension of status before the program end date on their I-20 and are engaged in approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT) will receive an automatic extension of their work authorization for up to 240 days or until the authorization end date of their CPT, whichever date is earlier.
Students who apply for an extension of status before the program end date on their I-20 and are engaged in approved Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training will receive an automatic extension of their work authorization for up to 240 days or until the authorization end date of their OPT, whichever date is earlier.
Students applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (Post-OPT) or STEM OPT will be required to file an application to Extend Nonimmigrant Status () with USCIS. The proposed rule contains a provision that states students who apply for Post-OPT within six months of the rule’s effective date will not need to file an I-539 extension unless they travel outside the U.S. and re-enter after the rule’s effective date.
Students already in the U.S. under F-1 status who complete one program and then begin a new program of study will be required to file an I-539 Extension of Status (EOS) application. USCIS will provide a fixed admission date based on the Program End Date listed on the Form I-20, if the EOS is approved.
We do not know yet. The proposed rules are currently under review by the Federal government, with the final rules and regulations being published at the completion of that review. We expect the effective date to be 60 days after the final rules and regulations are published.
Undergraduate students will not be permitted to change majors within their first year of study. After the first year, a change of major may be permitted. Master’s or Doctoral level students will not be permitted to change programs at any point during their degree.
You will need to apply for an Extension of Status (EOS) with USCIS. The first step in the application process is to apply to the International Compliance Team for an extended Form I-20. The second step is to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay by filing Form I-539. The current fee for the form is $470 (paper) or $420 (online). You will be required to submit the signed extended Form I-20 with your I-539.
No. F-1 students will only be permitted to move to a higher degree level. Pursuing another degree at the same or lower level will not be permitted.
Yes. Changing your academic level to a higher degree program will require you to receive a new Form I-20 from your school’s Designated School Official, and then to file an I-539 form with USCIS.
Undergraduate students will not be permitted to transfer schools within their first year of study but will have mobility after that first year. Graduate students will not be permitted to transfer at any point during their degree program.
The Form I-539 is an application to extend or change nonimmigrant status. It can be submitted online or by mailing the completed paper application to USCIS. There is a required fee of $470 (paper) or $420 (online). To expedite USCIS processing of your application, you may choose to file for Premium Processing which currently has an additional fee of $2,075.
The I-94 is the admission record that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues for travelers to the United States. You can go to the  to retrieve your electronic I-94 and your travel history. The admissions record has your “Admit Until Date” which is the date your authorization to stay in the U.S. ends. Students approved for an Extension of Status (EOS) after submitting the Form I-539 will receive a paper I-94 with the approval notice. It is important to retain this document. F-1 students will need to refer to the “Admit Until Date” on the I-94 to determine when they should be prepared to leave the country or file for an EOS.
If USCIS denies an extension application, you should first inform the ICT. You should also consult with an immigration attorney about other options that might be available to you. With a notice of denial, your lawful status in the U.S. would end, and you would not be allowed the normal grace period to depart the U.S. Remaining in the U.S. following an extension denial would be a serious violation of immigration regulations and may subject you to the accrual of unlawful presence. This could result in you being barred from coming back to the U.S. for a certain number of years.
Justifiable situations include medical or academic issues, or delays in program completion due to a natural disaster (8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)). The International Compliance Team (ICT) can determine, in conjunction with your academic department, whether a program extension is warranted for you. Please note, USCIS may apply stricter standards and will use its own discretion when determining if a program extension is warranted. Receiving a recommendation from the ICT does not guarantee USCIS approval.
Yes, for up to 240 days or your employment authorization end date (whichever comes first), provided your I-539 was received by USCIS before your academic program end date listed on your I-20. This applies to on-campus work, CPT, and pre-completion OPT.
Yes, your dependents will need to have extensions, as well. Dependents should be included in your principal I-539 extension application rather than filing separately. You only need to pay one filing fee when you file dependent I-539s with the principal I-539. If the forms are filed separately, separate filing fees will be required.