We're here to support you and your journey as an international student at Lane! Find the latest updates on US immigration policies and how it affects your studies. This is not intended to be legal advice. Please contact us at InternationalPrograms@lanecc.edu with any questions.
Last updated July 28, 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Topic | Previous Rule | New Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | Duration of Status (D/S) | Fixed "Admit Until Date" |
| Maximum admission | No fixed limit while maintaining status | Up to 4 years at a time |
| Program extension | DSO issues updated I-20 | Updated I-20 plus USCIS Extension of Stay application |
| Grace period | 60 days | 30 days |
| English language study | No aggregate federal limit | 24-month aggregate limit |
| OPT/CPT | Remain available | Remain available, but Extension of Stay may be required |
| I-94 | D/S | Specific expiration date |
End of "Duration of Status (D/S)"
Current Rule
- As an international student, you may remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain valid F-1 status.
- DSOs can extend programs by issuing updated Forms I-20.
New Rule
- You will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94.
- Admission will generally be:
- Program end date listed on the I-20
- Maximum of 4 years
- Plus a 30-day departure period included with admission.
Extension of Stay (EOS) Required
If additional time is needed because of:
- degree completion
- program extension
- transfer
- change of educational level
- OPT or STEM OPT
- other authorized academic reasons
you must:
- obtain an updated I-20 from your DSO,
- file Form I-539 with USCIS before your Admit Until Date expires,
- pay the filing fee,
- complete biometrics (if required), and
- possibly attend an interview.
Failure to obtain the extension before the I-94 expires results in loss of lawful status.
Grace Period Reduced
The post-completion grace period changes from:
- Current: 60 days
- New: 30 days
This shorter period affects you if you are:
- departing the U.S.
- transferring schools
- changing immigration status
- beginning another educational level
after completing your studies.
Four-Year Maximum Admission
You are admitted only until:
- the program end date, or
- four years,
whichever occurs first.
If you are in a program lasting longer than four years (such as some doctoral programs), you must request an Extension of Stay before your admission expires.
English Language Program Limit
If you are enrolled in English language training, you are limited to:
- 24 months total of English language study in F-1 status.
After reaching the limit, you must move into an eligible academic program or leave the United States.
Practical Training
The rule does not eliminate:
- CPT
- OPT
- STEM OPT
However, if you are participating in these programs, you may need to file an Extension of Stay if your authorized admission period expires before completion of the training.
Transition for Current Students
If you are already in the United States under Duration of Status are covered by transition provisions. DHS states that existing D/S admissions will remain valid for a limited transition period, after which affected students will move to the new system.
Potential Impact on Students
Compared with the previous system, you may experience:
- More government filings during your studies.
- Additional filing fees and possible biometrics costs.
- Greater risk of falling out of status if you miss deadlines.
- Increased planning requirements for long academic programs.
- Reduced flexibility because of the shorter grace period.