STEM OPT Archives - Careers Help Desk

US student visa Duration of Status ends in 2026 with four-year stay limit, 30-day grace period, fixed I-94 date, and Form I-539 extension rules.

US Student Visa D/S Rule 2026: 4-Year Limit, I-539 & 30-Day Grace Period

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule replacing “Duration of Status” (D/S) admission with fixed periods of admission for F-1, J-1, and I nonimmigrants. The rule is currently scheduled to take effect on 15 September 2026. However, DHS states that congressional review could change the Read more

By Muhammad Usman, 1 monthJuly 20, 2026 ago

Careers Help Desk thumbnail explaining the US F-1 Student Visa 2026 overhaul, including new OPT rules, 30-day OPT application window, $1,780 Form I-765 fee, mandatory biometrics, and the new four-year admission limit for international students.

United States F-1 Student Visa Overhaul & OPT Rules: Complete 2026 Guide

Secure your lawful U.S. study status and master the new F-1 and OPT regulatory frameworks under the sweeping 2026 Homeland Security updates. Managed by USCIS and Customs and Border Protection, these profound structural overhauls phase out decades of open-ended stay privileges, replacing them with strict, fixed admission deadlines. This updated Read more

By Muhammad Usman, 2 monthsJuly 2, 2026 ago