US Students Told to Review Stay Plan Ahead of Sept 15 Deadline
Several US universities have issued guidance to students ahead of the change.
Hyderabad:International students in the United States are being advised by their universities to carefully review their academic plans and immigration documents, as the new rule ending the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) system takes effect on September 15.
Several US universities have issued guidance to students ahead of the change. Universities have advised students that no programme changes will be allowed after September 15, urged them to keep a close watch on their programme end dates and recommended filing an Extension of Stay (EOS) application early if additional time is likely to be required.
Undergraduate students generally cannot change their major or educational objective during their first academic year, while graduate-level students face stricter restrictions on changing programmes or majors. Under the new rule, students completing a degree can move only to a higher degree level, rather than starting another programme at the same or a lower level.
Universities have also asked students to be mindful of their programme end dates, as the end date on the I-20 will become central to determining how long a student can remain in the US. Students who may need more time should work with their university to extend their I-20 and, if required, seek an EOS.
D/S allowed F-1 students to remain in the US for as long as they maintained lawful student status and made normal progress towards completing their programme. Their I-94 traditionally showed “D/S” instead of a specific expiry date. Students also received a 60-day grace period after completing their programme or authorised practical training.
From September 15, however, D/S will be replaced by a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD). For new entries, the period will generally be limited to the programme length stated on the I-20 or four years, whichever is shorter, with a 30-day grace period.
Universities have also warned students currently admitted under D/S to exercise caution when leaving and re-entering the United States. A student already in the US with D/S who leaves and returns on or after September 15 will receive a new, date-specific I-94, replacing their D/S admission upon re-entry.
For students in the US on September 15, the transition provisions generally allow them to remain until the end date on their I-20, with F-1 students retaining the existing 60-day grace period, provided they maintain status and do not trigger the new system by travelling on or after September 15.