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Studying English in the United States has long been one of the most popular pathways for international students who want to improve their language skills, prepare for university, advance their careers, or experience American culture. While those opportunities remain available, significant changes to F-1 student visa regulations are scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized new regulations that replace the long-standing “Duration of Status (D/S)” system with fixed periods of admission for most F-1 students. The changes also introduce new rules regarding English language study, extensions of stay, school transfers, and the importance of monitoring your immigration documents.
Whether you are already studying in the United States, preparing to apply for an F-1 visa, or considering an English language program in the future, understanding these changes is essential.
The good news is that students can still study English in the United States under the F-1 visa program. However, careful planning, understanding your immigration documents, and maintaining communication with your Designated School Official (DSO) will become more important than ever.
This guide explains what is changing, who is affected, and what steps students should take to stay in compliance with the new regulations.
Who Is Affected by the New Rules?
| If you are… | This article is for you |
| Currently studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa | ✓ |
| Applying for an F-1 visa | ✓ |
| Planning to study English in the future | ✓ |
| Thinking about transferring schools | ✓ |
What Is Changing?
The new regulations represent one of the most significant updates to F-1 student rules in decades. Instead of allowing most students to remain in the United States for the “duration of status” while maintaining their student status, DHS is introducing fixed periods of admission along with new procedures for extending a student’s stay.
Some of the biggest changes include:
- Fixed admission periods replace “Duration of Status (D/S).”
- The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record becomes much more important.
- English language students are generally subject to a new aggregate 24-month limit on English-language training.
- Students who need additional time may need to request an extension of stay from USCIS.
- The standard post-completion grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
- Some transfers and changes in educational objectives may be subject to additional requirements.
- Repeated or extended English-language study is subject to new limitations.
Although these changes may sound overwhelming at first, they do not eliminate the opportunity to study English in the United States. Instead, they place greater emphasis on planning ahead and understanding your immigration status.
Changes for Current F-1 Students
If you are already studying in the United States on an F-1 visa, you may be wondering whether these new regulations apply to you.
The answer depends on your individual circumstances, including when you were admitted to the United States and whether you travel internationally after the new rules take effect. DHS has issued transition provisions for students who are already in the country, but future travel or other immigration actions may affect how the new rules apply.
Because every student’s situation is different, it is important to understand several key points.
Transition Provisions
Students who are already in the United States before September 15, 2026, may be subject to transition rules established by DHS. However, the details can vary depending on factors such as future travel, extensions, transfers, and changes to immigration status. Students should review official guidance and consult their DSO before making important decisions.
International Travel May Affect Your Status
If you leave the United States after the new rules take effect, your reentry could be governed by the updated admission procedures. Before booking international travel, discuss your plans with your Designated School Official to understand how they may affect your immigration record.
Monitor Your I-94 Carefully
Under the previous system, many students paid little attention to their I-94 because it simply listed “D/S.”
Going forward, your I-94 may include a specific expiration date that determines how long you are authorized to remain in the United States. It is important to review your I-94 after every entry and make sure the information is accurate.
Talk to Your DSO Before Making Changes
If you are considering:
- transferring schools,
- extending your studies,
- traveling internationally,
- changing programs,
- or applying for another immigration benefit,
you should first speak with your Designated School Official. Your DSO can explain how the new regulations may affect your individual situation and help you understand the options available to you.
What Current Students Should Do Now
Current F-1 students should:
- Review their most recent Form I-94.
- Confirm that their Form I-20 is accurate and up to date.
- Stay in regular communication with their DSO.
- Understand how future travel could affect their immigration status.
- Plan ahead if additional study time may be needed.
Already studying in the United States? Contact LANGUAGE ON if you have questions about how these changes may affect your English language program or transfer plans.
Changes for Students Applying for an F-1 Visa
If you plan to begin studying in the United States on or after September 15, 2026, you should expect the new F-1 regulations to apply to your admission. While the application process for obtaining an F-1 visa remains largely the same, several important aspects of maintaining your status after arriving in the U.S. have changed.
These changes are designed to provide more clearly defined admission periods and additional oversight throughout a student’s stay. Although the requirements are different, thousands of international students are still expected to begin English language programs each year under the F-1 visa program.
Here are some of the key changes new students should understand before traveling to the United States.
A Fixed Admission Period
Under the previous system, most F-1 students were admitted for Duration of Status (D/S), meaning they could remain in the U.S. as long as they continued to maintain their F-1 status.
Beginning September 15, 2026, most newly admitted F-1 students will instead receive an authorized period of stay with a specific expiration date recorded on their Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. This date becomes an important part of maintaining lawful status in the United States.
Your Grace Period Is Shorter
Students who successfully complete their program will generally have a 30-day grace period to prepare to leave the United States, transfer to another eligible school, or take another authorized action, if permitted under immigration regulations.
Because this period is shorter than under the previous rules, students should begin planning well before completing their studies.
Extensions May Require USCIS Approval
Students who need additional time beyond their authorized period of stay may need to apply for an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Receiving an updated Form I-20 from your school does not necessarily extend your authorized stay by itself. Students should speak with their Designated School Official (DSO) well before their authorized stay expires to determine whether additional action is necessary.
English Language Study Has New Time Limits
Students enrolling in English language programs should also understand that DHS has introduced a new aggregate limit on English-language training for many F-1 students. We’ll explain this change in more detail later in this guide.
Learn to Read Your I-94
Many students focus primarily on their visa and Form I-20. Under the new rules, your I-94 becomes one of your most important immigration documents because it records your authorized period of admission.
After every arrival in the United States, you should review your I-94 to ensure the information is accurate.
Planning to study English in the United States? Explore the F-1 English programs offered by LANGUAGE ON and speak with our admissions team about choosing the program that best fits your educational goals.
What This Means If You’re Thinking About Studying English
Although the new regulations introduce several important changes, they should not discourage you from studying English in the United States.
The U.S. remains one of the world’s leading destinations for English language education. Students continue to benefit from immersive learning, experienced instructors, diverse classrooms, and opportunities to practice English in everyday life.
The biggest difference is that planning ahead is now more important than ever.
Prospective students should think carefully about:
- how long they expect to study;
- their academic goals;
- maintaining accurate immigration documents;
- understanding important deadlines; and
- communicating regularly with their school.
Choosing an experienced, SEVP-certified English language school can make navigating these requirements much easier. At LANGUAGE ON, our admissions team and Designated School Officials help students understand the documentation required throughout their studies and answer questions about maintaining F-1 status.
With the right planning, studying English in the United States remains an outstanding investment in your education and future career.
Goodbye “Duration of Status (D/S)”
For decades, most F-1 students were admitted to the United States under a system called Duration of Status, commonly shown as “D/S” on the Form I-94.
Under that system, students generally remained in the United States as long as they continued maintaining valid F-1 status and their school properly maintained their SEVIS record.
Beginning September 15, 2026, most newly admitted F-1 students will instead receive a fixed period of authorized stay.
Old System vs. New System
| Previous Rules (D/S) | New Rules (Beginning Sept. 15, 2026) |
| I-94 generally listed “D/S” | I-94 generally includes a specific admission period |
| No fixed expiration date on the I-94 | Students should monitor the authorized stay shown on the I-94 |
| School records primarily determined continued status | Students must maintain status and understand the expiration of their authorized stay |
| Many program extensions were handled through school documentation | Some students may need to request an extension of stay from USCIS |
While maintaining your F-1 status is still essential, students should now pay much closer attention to the dates associated with their admission.
Why Your I-94 Is Now One of Your Most Important Documents
Many international students are familiar with the Form I-20 because they use it to apply for an F-1 visa and enter the United States.
However, under the new regulations, your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record becomes just as important.
Each document serves a different purpose.
| Form I-20 | Form I-94 |
| Issued by your SEVP-certified school | Issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you enter the United States |
| Confirms your academic program | Records your admission into the United States |
| Required when applying for an F-1 visa | Shows how long you are authorized to remain in the United States |
| Used throughout your studies | Should be reviewed after every entry into the United States |
Because the I-94 now plays a greater role in documenting your authorized stay, students should review it carefully after each arrival and immediately report any errors to the appropriate authorities.
If you are ever unsure about the information on your I-94 or Form I-20, speak with your Designated School Official at LANGUAGE ON before taking further action.
New 24-Month Limit for English Language Students
One of the most significant changes introduced by the new regulations is the 24-month aggregate limit on English language study for many F-1 students enrolled in English language training programs.
Unlike the previous system, this limit is aggregate, meaning that time spent studying English at multiple schools is generally counted together rather than treated separately. Students should keep this in mind when planning long-term English studies or considering a transfer to another English language school. Because individual circumstances can vary, students should speak with their Designated School Official (DSO) if they have questions about how prior English-language study may be counted.
What Does “Aggregate” Mean?
An aggregate limit means that the total amount of qualifying English-language study is considered across multiple programs rather than resetting each time a student changes schools.
For example:
| Scenario | What It May Mean |
| Study English for 8 months at School A, then transfer to LANGUAGE ON for another English program | The time may be combined toward the aggregate limit. |
| Attend two different SEVP-certified English language schools | Time spent in qualifying English-language programs may be counted together. |
| Transfer to another English language school | A transfer generally does not create a brand-new period for English-language study. |
| Have questions about previous English study | Speak with your DSO to understand how the regulations may apply to your individual circumstances. |
Every student’s immigration history is different. If you have previously studied English in the United States, be sure to inform your new school so your DSO can properly advise you.
Extending Your Stay
Under the previous system, many students associated extending their studies with receiving an updated Form I-20 from their school.
Beginning September 15, 2026, students should understand the difference between extending an academic program and extending an authorized stay in the United States.
Your Form I-20
Your school may issue an updated Form I-20 if you remain eligible and your academic program requires additional time. The Form I-20 continues to document your program of study and your eligibility to maintain F-1 status.
Your Authorized Stay
Depending on your circumstances, an updated Form I-20 alone may not be enough to extend the amount of time you are authorized to remain in the United States. Some students may need to file an extension-of-stay request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before their authorized stay expires.
Plan Ahead
If you think you may need additional time to complete your program, do not wait until the last minute.
Instead:
- Review your immigration documents regularly.
- Speak with your DSO well before important deadlines.
- Understand whether additional immigration filings may be required.
- Submit any required applications before your authorized stay expires.
Planning ahead can help prevent unnecessary interruptions to your studies.
The New 30-Day Grace Period
Students completing their studies have traditionally relied on a grace period to prepare for departure, transfer to another eligible school, or take another authorized action.
Beginning September 15, 2026, the standard grace period is shorter.
Old vs. New
| Previous Rules | New Rules |
| Generally 60 days after program completion | Generally 30 days after program completion |
| More flexibility for post-program planning | Earlier planning is recommended |
| Students often had additional time before departure | Students should begin making travel or transfer plans before completing their program |
Although 30 days may seem like plenty of time, it can pass quickly. Students considering a transfer, future studies, or travel should begin preparing well before finishing their English program.
Transferring Schools Under
the New Rules
Students may still transfer between eligible SEVP-certified schools, including English language programs, but the process requires careful planning.
Transfers involve coordination between both schools and should always be discussed with your Designated School Official before any decisions are made.
Under the new regulations, students should pay close attention to:
- maintaining continuous F-1 status;
- meeting applicable transfer deadlines;
- understanding how previous English-language study may affect future eligibility; and
- ensuring that all immigration records remain accurate throughout the transfer process.
If you are considering transferring to LANGUAGE ON, our admissions team and DSOs can help explain the transfer process and answer questions about your specific situation.
What Students Should Do Now
Whether you are already studying in the United States or preparing to begin your English education, taking a proactive approach can help you navigate the new regulations with confidence.
Current Students
✔ Review your most recent Form I-94.
✔ Confirm that your Form I-20 is accurate.
✔ Speak with your Designated School Official before traveling internationally.
✔ Understand how future travel could affect your immigration record.
✔ Begin planning early if you may need additional time to complete your studies.
Future Students
✔ Choose an SEVP-certified English language school.
✔ Plan your anticipated program length before arriving in the United States.
✔ Understand the new admission timeline and documentation requirements.
✔ Keep copies of your immigration documents.
✔ Ask questions whenever you are unsure about immigration procedures.
At LANGUAGE ON, our admissions team works closely with prospective students to explain each step of the enrollment process and help students understand the documentation required for maintaining F-1 status.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Current Students
Possibly. The answer depends on your individual circumstances, including when you entered the United States and whether you travel internationally after the new regulations take effect. If you have questions, speak with your Designated School Official before making travel or academic plans.
Yes. However, international travel may affect how certain immigration rules apply after you return. Before making travel arrangements, discuss your plans with your DSO to make sure you understand any potential implications.
Your I-94 is an important immigration document that records your authorized admission. If you believe your authorized stay may expire before you complete your program, contact your DSO immediately to discuss your options. Do not wait until the last minute.
Yes. Students may still transfer to another eligible SEVP-certified school if they meet the applicable requirements. Because every situation is different, speak with your DSO before beginning the transfer process.
For Future Students
Yes. The F-1 visa program remains available for eligible international students. The new regulations change certain procedures after admission, but they do not eliminate the opportunity to study English in the United States.
Absolutely. English language programs continue to welcome qualified international students under the F-1 visa program. Understanding the new rules simply helps you plan your education more effectively.
Program length depends on your educational goals and the applicable immigration regulations. Because the new rules introduce an aggregate limit for many English-language students, it is important to discuss your long-term study plans with your school before enrolling.
Students generally have a period after completing their program to prepare for departure, transfer to another eligible school, or take another authorized action if permitted. Under the new regulations, this period is generally 30 days, so advance planning is important.
Conclusion
The new F-1 regulations taking effect on September 15, 2026, represent one of the most significant changes to student immigration procedures in many years. While students will need to pay closer attention to documents such as their Form I-94, understand new timelines, and plan ahead for extensions or transfers, the opportunity to study English in the United States remains as strong as ever.
For most students, success under the new rules comes down to staying informed, maintaining accurate documentation, and communicating regularly with their Designated School Official. With thoughtful planning and guidance from an experienced SEVP-certified school, students can continue to achieve their academic and professional goals in the United States.
Ready to Begin Your English Journey?
Whether you’re already studying in the United States, applying for an F-1 visa, or planning your future education, LANGUAGE ON is here to help.
Our experienced admissions team and Designated School Officials can answer your questions about F-1 status, explain the new regulations, and help you choose the English program that best fits your goals.
Contact LANGUAGE ON today to learn more about our English programs and discover how we can help you succeed under the new F-1 regulations.
