Updated Immigration Regulations

How do I learn more?

Study in the States is maintaining both a Quick Facts page and an FAQ page to provide more details on the rule. You can find the official rule on the Federal Register’s website.

Global Education will continue to update this webpage and email students to describe the rule as further interpretation and guidance becomes available. We will also be having in-person town halls and Zoom webinars to discuss.

Please be sure to rely on official sources of information for this rule such as Study in the States and CSUSM's Office of Global Education. Other sources of information may not have the expertise to interpret how the new rules impact your specific situation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I am currently in the U.S. on an F or J visa, what do I do now?

Individuals in the U.S. prior to September 15, 2026 on an F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 visa should review the end date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019 and determine if they need more time to complete their program of study. If so, please immediately reach out to Global Education to discuss. 

F-1 students currently in the United States admitted under duration of status may remain in the United States without applying for an Extension Of Stay (EOS) up to the Program End Date (PED) on their I-20 or the end of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) STEM OPT extension that is valid on the final rule’s effective date, not to exceed Nov. 14, 2030. This is four (4) years, plus a 60-day grace period.

J-1 students currently in the United States admitted under duration of status may remain in the United States without applying for an Extension Of Stay (EOS) up to the Program End Date (PED) on their DS-2019 or the end of their post-completion academic training that is valid on the final rule’s effective date, not to exceed Oct. 15, 2030.  This is four (4) years, plus a 30-day grace period.

I am currently in the U.S. on an F or J visa, can I still travel?

Yes,. However, any F visa holder entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026 will be subject to the new 30-day grace period as opposed to the previous 60-day grace period. For anyone who travels and re-enters the U.S. after September 15, 2026, they will no longer be able to take advantage of transition rules. As such, students applying for OPT before March 18, 2027 need to understand that any international travel after September 15, 2026 will then require them to apply for an Extension of Stay with USCIS in conjunction with their OPT application.

Should I enter the U.S. prior to September 15, 2026?

We strongly encourage any student or exchange visitors currently out of the country to re-enter prior to the rules effective date of September 15, 2026.

How do I file for an EOS? Is there any cost?

Students who are seeking to extend their stay beyond their program end date, will need to first apply for an extension with Global Education. We will review the request and provide an initial recommendation of whether you should be granted an EOS or not. If we recommend an EOS, we will provide you with a new I-20. You will then need to complete the I-539, pay the I-539 fee, and submit required biometrics. The I-539 fee is currently $420 when filing online or $470 when paper filing. However, this fee can change at any time and students should consult's USCIS's Fee Schedule page for current fees. 

When should I file for an EOS?

Students are allowed to file for an EOS as early as 180 before their AUD. We encourage you to file as soon as you know you need to extend and are eligible to do so. USCIS must receive any I-539 extension request before a student's or exchange visitor's I-94 expires. Please note, a student who files after their program end date, but before their AUD will not have any work authorization while their EOS is pending. 

Can I work while my EOS is pending?

Students who timely file an extension of stay (EOS) application before their grace period states, may continue on-campus employment, off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, and curricular practical training for up to 240 days while the application is pending. If a student filed for an EOS during their grace period, they will not have any work authorization while the EOS is pending.

How long are extensions of stay granted for?

USCIS extensions are approved only for the specific additional time needed to finish, and not to exceed four years.

Can I transfer to a new school or change my academic program?

The rule significantly restricts transfers and changes to academic programs with different rules for undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates may not transfer or change programs (major) in their first year, unless SEVP grants an exception for extenuating circumstances. Graduate students may not transfer schools or change programs at any point during their program of study, unless SEVP authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances. Examples of extenuating circumstances include a school closure or a school’s prolonged inability to hold classes due to a natural disaster.

Is there a deadline to submit any requests prior to September 15?

If you need to make any changes to your program of study prior to the rules effective date of September 15, 2026, you will need to do so prior to September 8, 2026 to give Global Education enough time to review and process your request. Any extension requests or major/program changes submitted after September 8 may not be processed prior to the rules effective date.

Is there a chance this rule does not go into effect on September 15?

While there is the possibility of congressional action or a lawsuit changing the rule or its effective date, we are anticipating and fully planning for the rule as it is written to be in place on September 15, 2026. That being said, DHS has also written provisions allowing for it to delay some aspects of the rule should it not be technically feasible to implement immediately. We will know more as the time approaches and will update this website when DHS updates us.