Update on the Duration of Status Rule Change

The following information was sent to Harvard international students and scholars on August 19:

Dear International Students, Scholars, and Alumni,

We are writing to follow up on our initial communication regarding the Duration of Status rule change for F and J visa holders.  

We understand that the rule change, and the lack of clarity surrounding it, has been confusing and unsettling for all of us across higher education. We are fielding many questions, and over the last several weeks have continued to gather more information through our work with national higher education associations, but it is possible we may not have clarity around some of those questions by the effective date of September 15, 2026. 

This is a fluid situation, and there are many nuances. In particular, we are aware of specific questions about how the rule change affects dual/joint-degree programs and international travel. At this time, and unless we hear otherwise: 

  • We recommend that J-1 scholars and F-1 and J-1 international students registered in on-campus programs for the fall term try to be physically present in the United States on the rule’s effective date.  
    • Current students and scholars present in the U.S. on the rule’s effective date will be authorized to remain in the U.S. without filing an Extension of Stay request 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. 
    • If an international student or scholar (or dependent)—including one who was physically present in the U.S. on the effective date—leaves the U.S. and re-enters after September 15, the new rule will apply upon reentry, as described below. 
  • The rule limits how and when F-1 students can shift to a different course of study or program level during their studies. We are working to understand the particular impacts this may have on each of our dual and joint degree programs. Your School will be back in touch with more information as soon as it is available. 
  • International travel after September 15, 2026, may result in the Admit Until Date (AUD) on your Form I-94 being changed to match the program end date on your I-20/DS-2019, which may affect how any future extensions of status are granted.  
  • On August 18, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, and NAFSA, among others, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Boston seeking to invalidate the rule. The plaintiffs also filed a motion for an interim stay/preliminary injunction that, if granted, would suspend the rule during the course of the litigation. The filings do not, however, have any immediate effect, and the outcome of litigation is uncertain (as it is with any litigation at this stage); we will monitor this case as it moves through the legal process and will communicate any impact on the rule change or our guidance. 

Additional information and updates are available in the Department of Homeland Security’s FAQ and on the Harvard International Office (HIO) website.   

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate this change together. As always, please contact your HIO advisor if you have questions or concerns about your individual circumstances.  

Sincerely, 
The Harvard International Office

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