Duration of Status (D/S): What International Students Should Know

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Earlier this year, discussions resurfaced around potential changes to how international students and exchange visitors are admitted into the United States—specifically, the possible elimination of Duration of Status (D/S). While no final rule has been issued, the proposal raised important questions for students, schools, and institutions alike.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what Duration of Status is, what was proposed, and why it continues to matter.

What Is Duration of Status (D/S)?

When international students (F-1) and exchange visitors (J-1) enter the United States, they are admitted under a framework known as Duration of Status, or D/S.

Unlike most nonimmigrant visitors who receive a fixed expiration date, D/S allows eligible students and exchange visitors to remain in the U.S. as long as they are maintaining valid program participation. This includes:

Making normal academic or research progress
Participating in authorized practical training, such as OPT or Academic Training
Remaining properly reported in the SEVIS system by their school or program sponsor

D/S has been in place since the early 1990s and was designed to reflect the reality that academic and research timelines are not always predictable.

The Proposal to Eliminate D/S

In August 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed replacing D/S with a system that would admit F-1 and J-1 students until a fixed end date, tied to the program end date listed on their immigration documents, and capped at four years.

Under this proposal, students who needed additional time—whether to complete a degree, conduct research, or pursue post-completion training—would be required to file a formal extension of stay with USCIS, including government filing fees and biometrics.

A similar proposal was introduced in 2020 but was never finalized.

Why the Proposal Raised Concerns

Ending D/S could significantly affect students whose academic paths extend beyond four years or involve transitions. This includes:

PhD students, whose median time to completion exceeds five years
Undergraduates needing additional time to finish degree requirements
Students pursuing OPT or Academic Training
Transfers between schools or programs
Transitions from English-language programs to degree programs

Requiring USCIS extensions for these situations could lead to long processing delays, higher costs, and increased uncertainty.

Risks for Students

One of the most serious concerns is the consequence of a denied extension. If USCIS were to deny a student’s extension request, the individual could begin accruing unlawful presence immediately, potentially triggering removal proceedings or future reentry bars.

Additionally, USCIS already faces significant processing backlogs, with extension requests often taking several months—and sometimes over a year—to adjudicate.

Impact on Educational Institutions

Colleges and universities would also bear the administrative burden of such a change. Institutions could face:

Increased workload for international student offices
Higher training and compliance costs
Greater confusion among students and departments
Potential enrollment and research disruptions

These operational challenges could affect both students and the broader academic environment.

Why Duration of Status Still Makes Sense

Supporters of retaining D/S point out that international students and exchange visitors are already among the most closely monitored nonimmigrants in the U.S. SEVIS provides real-time tracking of enrollment, program participation, and authorized training.

Fixed expiration dates may not reflect the reality of academic progression, while adding significant strain to an already overburdened immigration system.

Need help navigating these potential changes?

Proposed updates to Duration of Status could significantly affect international students, exchange visitors, and the institutions that support them. Understanding how these changes may impact your academic plans, work authorization, or compliance obligations is essential—especially as future policy shifts remain under discussion.

Set up a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.