Frequently Asked Questions: Elimination of Duration of Status

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: This page reflects our current understanding of the new federal regulations as of July 2026. DHS, USCIS, and SEVP may issue additional guidance before or after the September 15, 2026 implementation date. We will update this page as new information becomes available.

Last Updated: July 28, 2026

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published new regulations affecting F-1 international students. The new rule takes effect September 15, 2026.

However, the Office of International Student Services (OISS) at Cerritos College is actively reviewing these changes and will continue to update this page as additional guidance becomes available from DHS, USCIS, and SEVP.

Below, we have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions about What Cerritos College International Students Need to Know.

 

Beginning September 15, 2026, most F-1 students will no longer be admitted to the United States under Duration of Status (D/S).

Instead, students will receive a fixed period of admission that is generally tied to the length of their academic program (the dates on your I-20). This means your that your I-94 will now determine how long you are authorized to remain in the U.S.

Students who need additional time to complete their program beyond their authorized admission period on the I-94 or who wish to transfer or pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be required to apply directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay (EOS).

Yes, but how and when depends on your individual circumstances.

In most cases, this new rule will not affect your ability to study in the US or finish your current academic program.

With this new rule, F-1 students may need to file an Extension of Stay with USCIS (Form I-539) if you need more time in the US than your I-94 allows. Some reasons you may need more time include: 

  1. If you expect to graduate later than your current I-20 and I-94 end date
  2. If you are considering changing your major
  3. To change education levels (e.g., Associate à Bachelor’s) 
  4. To transfer to another school
  5. To participate in OPT or STEM OPT

It is more important than ever that you make a plan and stick to it. Delays caused by academic probation, suspension, a student's repeated inability to complete coursework, or frequent changes of academic majors/objective are no longer acceptable reasons for a program extension.

While current students may be covered by transition provisions and may not be immediately affected, each student's situation is different.  If you have any doubts or questions, schedule and F-1 advising appointment to review your plans with Jeanora or Gladys.

Yes.

All current F-1 students should schedule an appointment with an international academic counselor (Steve Brooks or Yuki Rowland) ASAP (no later than September 4, 2026). During your appointment you and a counselor will:

  • Review your Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP)
  • Confirm your declared major
  • Verify your expected graduation date and current I-20 end date
  • Determine whether any updates or requests are needed
  • Schedule an F-1 advising appointment if you have additional questions about this new regulation and your situation.


Early planning can help avoid future immigration complications.

Additionally, for all future travel abroad, all F-1 students must submit a copy of your I-94 to the OISS every time you re-enter the United States. Your I-94 record will show the specific dates of your authorized period of stay; the OISS will help you review your I-94 for accuracy.

Yes—but planning ahead is more important than ever.

In most cases, Students may still transfer between SEVP-certified schools if they continue to meet all F-1 requirements. However, there will be a few additional important considerations, including:

·         all students will be required to complete their first academic year at the school that issued their initial I-20, unless an exception is explicitly authorized.

·         if you have completed or will complete a degree, you should consult with an F-1 advisor before applying to a transfer school.

·         It may be necessary to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) prior to transferring to a new school

Do not assume transfer procedures remain the same as in previous years. If you are planning to transfer, schedule an F-1 advising appointment to review your plans with Jeanora or Gladys.

Possibly.

Students may still be able to change majors, but new regulations place additional restrictions on certain changes to a student's educational objective. The new rule prohibits students from changing programs or educational objectives during their first academic year. This includes any changes to your academic program, major, or educational level.

Before changing your major, you will need to meet with both an international Student Counselor and an F-1 advisor to discuss:

  • how the change may affect your expected graduation date
  • whether immigration updates are required
  • whether additional USCIS approval may be necessary

If you believe you may not finish by your current I-20 end date, schedule an appointment with an international student counselor as early as possible.

Depending on your situation, you may need:

  • an updated I-20
  • a program extension
  • an Extension of Stay application with USCIS 


Waiting until the last minute could delay your graduation or affect your immigration status.

Possibly.

Students may still apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

However, under the new regulations, most student will also need to apply for an Extension of Stay with USCIS.  If you expect to graduate no later than Fall 2026, an Extension of Stay application is not necessary to apply for OPT.

Federal agencies are expected to provide additional guidance regarding OPT and the new Extension of Stay process.

Our advisors will discuss your individual situation when you apply for OPT.

Not necessarily, not right away.

If you are in the U.S. before September 15, 2026, your I-94 should still show D/S for admit dates.  If so, we advise that you do not travel abroad, unless necessary, until you complete your program at Cerritos College.

Most students who continue maintaining F-1 status and follow immigration requirements should not need to leave the United States simply because of the new regulation.

We want to make sure your academic plan still matches your immigration record and that you are on track to graduate by the date on your I-20.

Many students change:

  • majors
  • graduation dates
  • transfer plans
  • career goals

The new regulations make it more important than ever that your academic records accurately reflect your educational plans. If you meet with an international academic counselor (Yuki Rowland or Steve Brooks) no later than September 4th, 2026, we may be able to help you make any necessary changes before September 15th without having to submit an application to USCIS.

That's okay.

This is exactly why we're asking every student to meet with an international academic counselor (Yuki Rowland or Steve Brooks).

We'll review:

  • your completed coursework
  • remaining degree requirements
  • your Student Education Plan
  • your expected graduation timeline
  • your post-graduation plans


Together we'll determine whether any updates are needed.

Please schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you meet with an international academic counselor (Yuki Rowland or Steve Brooks) no later than September 4th, 2026, we may be able to help you make any necessary changes before September 15th without having to submit an application to USCIS.

The earlier we review your situation the more options may be available.

Do not wait until your I-20 is close to expiring.

Please meet with an international academic counselor before making any changes.

Some changes could affect:

  • your graduation timeline
  • your immigration record
  • future immigration benefits 


We'll help you understand your options before you make a decision.

In most cases, yes.

Students may continue transferring to another SEVP-certified institution, but it may be necessary to file an Extension of Stay before your current program end date.

Because new regulations introduce additional considerations, we recommend meeting with an international academic counselor and an F-1 advisor well before your planned transfer term.

The new rule includes new restrictions related to pursuing educational programs at the same or lower educational level after completing a degree.

The application of these provisions depends on your individual circumstances.

If you already hold a bachelor's or higher degree, please schedule an F-1 advising appointment to discuss how these regulations may affect your academic plans.

Congratulations!

If you plan to:

  • apply for OPT
  • transfer to another school
  • continue your education
  • begin another academic program

please schedule an F-1 advising appointment as early as possible so we can discuss your next steps.

You can schedule an appointment with the F-1 advisors or with the international academic counselors by:

We encourage students to schedule their appointments as early as possible before September 15, 2026.

The Office of International Student Services will continue updating this FAQ as additional information becomes available from DHS, USCIS, and SEVP.

You can also read the final rule published by The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or review the Study in the States FAQ.

If you have questions about your specific situation, please contact us directly.