Featured Issue: Elimination of Duration of Status for F, J, and I Visas

On July 17, 2026, DHS published a final rule that ended the longstanding duration of status framework for F, J, and I nonimmigrants. Instead, these visas will now have fixed admission periods of up to four years for F and J visas and 240 days for I visas (90 days for most citizens of China). Individuals whose studies or work will continue beyond that time must seek approval to stay.

AILA strongly opposed this change, which will create unnecessary costs, delays, and uncertainty for students, exchange visitors, international reporters, educational institutions, employers, government agencies, and the U.S. economy. With processing times for I Visas nearing a full year, visa-holders will have to file for extensions as soon as they arrive in the country. Many academic and professional programs—including Ph.D. programs and medical residencies—regularly extend beyond four years. This rule will force hundreds of thousands of additional extension applications, increasing burdens on applicants while adding to existing USCIS and DOS backlogs. These hurdles will likely worsen the already significant decrease in foreign students enrolling at American universities. Some economists estimate that this change could cost the country $72-145 billion within the next ten years.

AILA is closely monitoring all changes to these programs and will continue providing analysis and guidance to help students, exchange visitors, foreign media, schools, employers, and practitioners understand what comes next.