What SEVP Said in the August 31 Webinar: New F-1 Rules Start September 15
Updated: Sep 11
On August 31, 2026, SEVP held an online meeting (a webinar) about the new F-1 student rule. SEVP is the U.S. government office that manages international student records.
We watched the webinar. Here is what you need to know, in simple words.
The new rule starts on September 15, 2026.
1. Your stay will now have an end date
Before, F-1 students could stay in the U.S. as long as they studied and followed the rules. This was called "duration of status."
That system is ending.
Now you will get an Admit Until Date (AUD). This is the last day you can stay in the U.S. It is printed on your Form I-94 (your arrival record).
You must leave, or ask for more time, before this date.
2. English students get 24 months
This is the most important number for our students.
If you study English, you can stay for a maximum of 24 months, plus 30 days to leave the country.
Students in other programs get the length of their program on the I-20, up to four years, plus 30 days.
Two more things:
You can still enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program starts. Those 30 days are not counted.
Your date may be shorter if your passport expires soon.
3. Check your I-94 — not your I-20
Your printed I-20 will not show your Admit Until Date. Only the airport officer (CBP) or USCIS decides that date.
So please do two things:
Look up your I-94 online at the CBP website after every trip.
Carry your I-20 and your newest I-94 together.
4. The grace period is now 30 days
After your program ends, you have 30 days to leave the U.S. Before, students had 60 days. Now it is 30.
5. How to get more time
Do you need more time to study? Do you want to change your program or apply for OPT? Then you need a new Admit Until Date.
There are two ways.
Way 1: Ask USCIS for an Extension of Stay (EOS)
Talk to your DSO (your school advisor) first.
Your DSO puts a recommendation in the SEVIS system and gives you a new I-20.
You send Form I-539 to USCIS, with the fee and all your documents.
USCIS checks your case and says yes or no.
Timing is very important:
You can apply up to 180 days early.
If you apply more than 30 days before your date, you can keep studying and keep working.
If you apply during your last 30 days, you can keep studying, but you must stop working.
Way 2: Travel and come back
You can leave the U.S. and come back. The officer at the airport will give you a new I-94 with a new date. Your visa must still be valid.
Careful: If you travel while USCIS is still checking your Form I-539, USCIS may cancel your application. If you must travel, carry your receipt notice.
If you forget to apply: You cannot study. You may start to stay in the U.S. illegally. Please do not let this happen. Talk to your DSO early.
6. New rules about changing your program or school
Change your major: Not allowed in your first year (below graduate level). Not allowed at all for graduate students.
Change your level: Same rule. Also, after you finish a degree, you cannot start a new program at the same level or a lower level.
Change your school: Not allowed in your first year (below graduate level). Not allowed for graduate students.
There are exceptions, but they are very rare — for example, if a school closes. Your DSO must ask SEVP for you.
7. Good news if you are already here
Are you in the U.S. with valid F-1 status on September 15, 2026?
Then you can stay until the end date on your I-20. You do not need to send Form I-539. The last possible date is November 14, 2030.
But: If you leave the U.S. and come back after September 15, you will get a new fixed date. This special benefit stops after you travel.
8. One thing is still not final
SEVP said they are watching a court case about this rule. As of early September, no court had stopped the rule. So please plan for September 15.
What you should do now
Find your I-94 online today. Write down your Admit Until Date.
Talk to us before you buy any airplane ticket.
Do you want to study English for more than 24 months? Come and talk to our office early.
Small dictionary
SEVP – the U.S. office that manages international student records
I-94 – your arrival record; it shows your Admit Until Date
AUD (Admit Until Date) – the last day you can stay
DSO – your school advisor for visa and I-20 questions
Form I-539 – the form you send to USCIS to ask for more time
USCIS – the U.S. office that decides your Form I-539
CBP – the officers at the airport
We Can Help You
Do you have questions about your visa, your I-20, or your end date? Please do not wait.
Come and see us!.
📍 Bluedata International Institute — Times Square, New York City
📞 Call us 212-683-6250 or send us a message today.✉️ Email: bluedataesl@gmail.com
Bluedata International Institute is an SEVP-certified and CEA-accredited English school. We help students every day. We are happy to help you too.
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