For more than 40 years, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors have been admitted to the United States for the Duration of Status (D/S). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a final regulation that will change this. Instead, of D/S, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and their F-2/J-2 dependents will be admitted with a fixed expiration date which will be the earlier of their program end date or 4 years. F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors (and their dependents) whose program will last more than 4 years (including any Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT)) will have to file for an extension of stay through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, the new regulation may severely limit the educational opportunities for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. This webinar will discuss all of the changes to the F and J programs and how to plan for their implementation.
- History of the D/S Regulation
- Overview of Final Regulation and its Effective Date
- Implementation of Change from D/S to Fixed Expiration Dates
- Impact on OPT and AT
- Transition Rules
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