A DHS final rule published July 17, 2026 replaces the ~50-year 'duration of status' framework with fixed admission periods of up to four years for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa holders, effective September 15, 2026. Staying longer now requires an extension-of-stay application with USCIS (fees and biometrics), and unlawful presence begins accruing right after the I-94 authorized period expires.
Home › Founders News › Visa & Immigration
DHS ends 'duration of status,' caps F-1/J-1 admission at 4 years
Why this matters for founders
If you or key technical hires are on F-1 (including OPT) or J-1 status, map out expiration dates now and budget for USCIS extension filings; students filing OPT EAD requests by March 18, 2027 can avoid a separate extension filing.
Source: Nixon Peabody LLP
Related updates
More that helps you.
New 9/11 biometric fee adds $4,000 to many H-1B extensions from September 9, 2026
A DHS final rule published August 10, 2026 and effective September 9, 2026 extends the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to H-1B and L-1 extension petitions, not just init…
USCIS can again deny incomplete petitions without an RFE or NOID
A USCIS policy alert effective Aug 5, 2026 lets officers deny a benefit request without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) when required…
USCIS can now deny visa filings without an RFE, effective Aug 5, 2026
A USCIS policy alert effective August 5, 2026 restores officers' discretion to deny an immigration benefit request without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of I…
State Dept moves US visa services in 24 African posts to 20 regional hubs Aug 1
Effective Aug 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of State realigned routine visa services from 24 embassies/consulates (including Abuja, Harare, Lusaka, Maputo, Windhoek) to 20 regional…
Get briefs like this tuned to you.
In the app, Founder Briefs are personalized to your country, industry and stage, and you can save the ones that matter.
See plans →
Keep exploring
Related across the site
ChecklistHire your first employee the legal wayEverything a first-time employer needs, in order: classification, registration, workers' comp, payroll, and a first week that sets your new hire up to succeed.ToolDocuSignDocuSign lets you send documents for legally binding electronic signature and track their status. It handles contracts, NDAs, offer letters, and other agreements with an audit trail.TermEIN (Employer Identification Number)A unique nine-digit number the US IRS assigns to your business for tax and identification purposes, like a Social Security number for your company.GuideEmployee or contractor: classify rightWorker classification drives payroll taxes, benefits, and legal risk. Learn the IRS control tests so your first hire does not turn into an expensive misclassification case.GuideGet new hire paperwork done rightForm I-9, Form W-4, and the state new hire report are mandatory for your first employee. Here is what to collect, the deadlines that apply, and how to store it all.GuideHang required labor law posters rightFederal and state labor law posters are mandatory once you hire, and all of them are free from the government. What to hang, where to hang it, and which mailers to ignore.