Know Your Rights: New Rules for F, J, and I Visa Holders
IABA has released a new Know Your Rights resource explaining the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule ending “duration of status” admissions for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa holders.
The rule, scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, replaces D/S admissions with fixed expiration dates and may require affected individuals to file extension applications with USCIS. The resource explains the new admission periods, extension requirements, OPT implications, restrictions on transfers and changes in study, transition rules, international travel considerations, and the particular impact on Iranian students, scholars, researchers, and families.