“Duration of Status” Is Ending for F-1 Students: What International Students (and Their Employers) Need to Know

Emmerson Mirus | 08.31.26

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule ending the longstanding “Duration of Status” (D/S) framework for F-1 students. Beginning September 15, 2026, most F-1 students will receive a fixed period of admission rather than being admitted for the indefinite duration of their academic program. This is one of the most significant changes to F-1 status in decades.

Nicole S. Schram | 09.25.25

On Friday, September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a presidential Proclamation imposing a new $100,000.00 fee on some H-1B visa petitions. This Proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” took effect at 12:01 AM on Sunday, September 21.

Emmerson Mirus, Nicole S. Schram | 07.29.25

The word “visa” is commonly used to refer to two different things: the visa status and the visa stamp of a nonimmigrant (temporary visitor or resident) in the U.S. In early July of 2025, the Trump administration changed the Visa Reciprocity Schedule, reducing the validity period of visa stamps for many countries. Since a growing number of nonimmigrants’ visa stamps will now expire earlier than their status, it is more important than ever to understand the differences between the two.