DHS Final Rule – Planning & Preparation
Steps Penn Students and Scholars Should Consider
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Final Rule is currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. While many implementation details are still being developed by federal agencies, there are several steps members of the Penn community can take now to prepare.
This page provides general recommendations for all international students and scholars, along with additional guidance for individuals in specific situations.
Please Note
Penn ISSS continues to monitor guidance from DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
Recommended for All Students and Scholars
Penn ISSS encourages all F-1 and J-1 students and scholars to:
- Review the information available on the Penn ISSS Final Rule website.
- Read Penn ISSS email announcements and updates.
- Attend Penn ISSS webinars and information sessions.
- Review your Form I-94 after every entry into the United States.
- Familiarize yourself with the concept of the Admit Until Date (AUD) and how it may affect future travel and immigration planning.
- Contact Penn ISSS if you have questions about how the Final Rule may affect your individual situation.
New and Returning Students and Scholars for Fall 2026
If you are arriving at Penn or returning for the Fall 2026 semester, you should continue preparing for your arrival as planned.
The Final Rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, and existing immigration regulations remain in effect until that date.
Students and scholars should continue to:
- obtain the required immigration documents;
- travel using valid passports and visas, if required;
- follow Penn ISSS arrival instructions; and
- comply with current federal immigration requirements.
Special Situations
Completing Your Program in 2026
If you expect to complete your academic program or exchange visitor program and depart the United States before the Final Rule affects your immigration status, additional action related to the Final Rule may not be necessary.
If you have questions about your completion timeline, grace period, or departure plans, please contact Penn ISSS.
Transferring to Penn or Beginning a New Penn Degree Program
Students transferring to Penn from another U.S. institution or beginning a new Penn program at a higher educational level should work with Penn ISSS to complete all required immigration processes as early as possible.
If you have not yet initiated your:
- SEVIS transfer,
- Change of Educational Level, or
- issuance of a new Form I-20,
please contact your Penn ISSS advisor.
Planning to Apply for OPT or the STEM OPT Extension
Students who expect to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the STEM OPT Extension during the 2026–2027 academic year should carefully review Penn ISSS guidance regarding the Final Rule.
The Final Rule introduces transition provisions that may affect certain OPT applicants, particularly those applying during the initial implementation period.
Because eligibility for these transition provisions depends on individual circumstances, including travel history and admission status, Penn ISSS recommends consulting an advisor before making international travel plans or submitting an OPT application.
Program End Dates Between September 2026 and Spring 2027
If your current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 is scheduled to expire during the 2026–2027 academic year, begin planning early.
Consider whether you expect to:
- complete your program on time;
- request a program extension;
- begin OPT or Academic Training;
- start another academic program; or
- require additional authorized stay.
Early planning provides additional time to evaluate immigration options and complete any required documentation.
Planning to Change Your Academic Program or Transfer Schools
The Final Rule includes new provisions that may affect:
- changes to educational objectives;
- transfers between institutions;
- progression to future degree programs; and
- eligibility for certain academic pathways.
Many aspects of these provisions remain subject to additional federal guidance, and DHS has indicated that implementation of some academic restrictions may be delayed.
Students considering academic changes are encouraged to consult Penn ISSS before making decisions that could affect their immigration status.
Planning International Travel
If you anticipate international travel after September 15, 2026, remember that you may be admitted under the new Fixed Time Period of Admission framework.
After every entry into the United States, Penn ISSS recommends that you:
- retrieve your Form I-94;
- verify your immigration classification;
- review your Admit Until Date (AUD), if applicable; and
- contact Penn ISSS if you have questions about your authorized period of stay.
Stay Connected with Penn ISSS
The Final Rule represents one of the most significant changes to F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations in decades. While the overall framework has been published, many implementation details are still pending federal guidance.
Penn ISSS is actively working with University leadership and monitoring updates from DHS, USCIS, SEVP, the U.S. Department of State, and CBP. We will continue to provide timely information through:
- website updates;
- FAQs;
- webinars and information sessions;
- email communications; and
- individualized advising.
Our goal is to help every member of Penn’s international community understand these changes and prepare with confidence.