Last updated July 17, 2026

Summary

This page provides information on the Department of Homeland Security's Final Rule published on July 17, 2026, which makes significant changes to the regulations for F and J international student and scholar visas. The rule goes into effect on September 15, 2026.

To be clear, the new rule does not have any immediate impact on your visa, or your ability to begin your Harvard program in the Fall 2026 semester if you are an admitted student or inbound J-1 scholar. However, it is important to understand the changes going forward. We are reviewing the rule and will provide additional details and updates on this webpage as the government provides them.

We understand that these changes will feel unsettling to many, and please be assured that we are here to support Harvard’s international community as we work through this transition together.

What’s Changing

Here’s a summary of what we know right now. 

Currently, international students and scholars are admitted to the United States for “duration of status,” meaning they can legally remain in the U.S., with no fixed end date, so long as they are making progress in their educational or research program or are engaging in Optional Practical Training or Academic Training.

For new visa applicants, changes under the new rule include, but are not limited to:

• Replacing duration of status with a maximum fixed stay of four years or the length of the program, whichever is shorter, plus a 30-day grace period for departure (down from 60 days for F visas).
• Requiring those who need additional time beyond the fixed term to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an Extension of Stay (EOS) and to demonstrate a compelling reason for approval.
• Providing an automatic extension of 240 days while an application for EOS is pending.
• Allowing students who completed a program at one level to pursue another higher degree only (no lateral or lower degrees).
• Prohibiting graduate students from changing their “educational objectives” (defined in the rule to mean “educational level or major”) at any point, absent specific extenuating circumstances.
• Prohibiting undergraduate students from changing their “educational objectives” (defined in the rule to mean “educational level or major”) in their first year, absent specific extenuating circumstances.

Dependents are subject to the same fixed-term admission structure and extension requirements as primary F-1 and J-1 visa holders.  

For current or incoming students and scholars who are in the U.S. and in F or J status as of the September 15 effective date, the rule will be phased in over time.   

• Current students and scholars will be authorized to remain in the U.S. without needing to file an EOS until the later of the program end date on their I-20 or DS-2019 or the expiration of their post-completion work authorization, up to a maximum of four years from September 15.
• The 60-day grace period for these F-visa holders and the 30-day grace period for J-visa holders will remain in place.
• However, if a current student or scholar (or dependent) leaves the U.S. and returns after the effective date, the new rule will apply upon reentry.

What Happens Next

The HIO will continue to update the rule change page on this webpage – please bookmark it and check back often for updates.

Please be aware that the HIO is experiencing a very high volume of calls and emails at this time, and response times may be slower than usual. We appreciate your patience.