The new DHS rule would end the use of Duration of Status (D/S) and replace it with a system that uses a specific expiration date on the I-94 for:
- F-1 students (and F-2 dependents)
- J-1 exchange visitors (and J-2 dependents)
- I visa representatives of foreign media (and I dependents)
Admission would be granted for a defined period, and staying beyond that period would require a timely filed extension or another lawful basis to remain. This aligns these categories more closely with other nonimmigrant visas.
What a fixed end date changes in real life
1) It creates a hard countdown that must be tracked
The I-94 expiration date becomes the central compliance trigger, with severe consequences for missing it—even if all other program requirements are met.
2) Extensions become routine legal steps
Extensions of stay will likely become standard for longer programs, program changes, or medical reduced course loads, rather than exceptions.
3) Overstay risk becomes more direct and date driven
An expired I-94 translates into immediate overstay exposure unless an extension or change filing is pending and properly maintains authorized stay.
4) Travel and reentry planning gets tighter
Admission periods per entry become explicitly time-limited, requiring careful planning around filing strategies and approval timing.
How DHS may structure admission periods
DHS may tie admission lengths to factors such as:
- Passport expiration dates
- Program type and length
- Country-specific considerations
- Compliance history and prior immigration issues
- Field of study or research area
Longer degree programs may require one or more extensions during the program.
F-1 students: issues that become more sensitive
Removing D/S means the I-94 expiration date becomes a critical “do not miss” event, separate from SEVIS status. Key pressure points include:
- Academic programs exceeding admission periods
- Program extensions due to academic reasons
- Leave of absence and reactivation
- SEVIS corrections and reinstatement
- Transitions to OPT and STEM OPT
- School transfers and program level changes
J-1 exchange visitors: program integrity plus the I-94 clock
J-1 holders must now track both:
- DS-2019 program dates and sponsor oversight
- The new fixed I-94 expiration date requiring timely extensions
Mismatch between program length and admission period may lead to repeated extension filings.
I visa holders: practical implications
I visa holders will have formal expiration endpoints on their I-94 that must be extended if continuing qualifying activities in the U.S., affecting assignments, renewals, and long-term postings.
What this means for dependents
F-2, J-2, and I dependents will also receive fixed-date admissions. Dependents often do not manage immigration details daily, but an expired I-94 can cause problems including impacts on benefits, licensing, and future applications.
Core compliance takeaway
With D/S ending, the I-94 date becomes the primary legal boundary. Compliance requires:
- Obtaining and preserving I-94 records after each entry
- Tracking expiration dates well in advance to file extensions or changes
- Ensuring filings align with program documents and eligibility
- Avoiding gaps from administrative delays or errors
This shifts status from largely “condition based” to heavily “date based,” impacting everyday decisions, long-term planning, and risk management.