DHS Final Rule Resource Center
Penn’s official resource for the Department of Homeland Security’s Final Rule replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with a Fixed Time Period of Admission. Access Penn-specific guidance, updates, FAQs, webinars, and resources for students, scholars, faculty, and staff.
Welcome to Penn’s central resource for understanding the DHS Final Rule replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with a Fixed Time Period of Admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents.
This Resource Center provides Penn-specific guidance, implementation updates, frequently asked questions, webinar recordings, timelines, and practical resources to help students, scholars, faculty, staff, and administrators navigate these important regulatory changes.
Penn Guidance on the Transition from Duration of Status (D/S) to a Fixed Time Period of Admission
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Final Rule replacing the duration-of-status framework with a fixed period of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their F-2 and J-2 dependents. The regulation also establishes new procedures for requesting an Extension of Stay for individuals who need additional time to complete an academic or exchange program or undertake certain subsequent activities, such as beginning a new academic program or participating in post-completion practical training.
The Final Rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Because the rule is subject to congressional review, DHS has stated that it will publish an additional Federal Register notice if the effective date changes or the rule does not take effect as scheduled. Until the rule takes effect, existing immigration regulations and procedures remain in place, and Penn will continue to follow current federal requirements.
Federal agencies, including DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), may issue additional implementation guidance. Penn ISSS is actively monitoring federal developments and will update this Resource Center as new information becomes available.
This page serves as Penn’s official resource for information about the Final Rule, its anticipated implementation, and its impact on our international students, scholars, faculty, staff, and academic departments.
Our goal is to provide clear, accurate, and Penn-specific guidance as federal agencies release additional information. Because implementation is still developing, the information in this Resource Center will be updated regularly to reflect the latest federal guidance and Penn’s institutional recommendations.
Whether you are a current student, incoming student, scholar, faculty member, administrator, or departmental partner, this resource is designed to help you understand the changes, prepare for implementation, and know where to turn for additional support.
We recognize that changes to federal immigration regulations can create uncertainty for members of our international community.
Penn ISSS is committed to providing accurate information, practical guidance, and individualized support throughout this transition. As implementation guidance continues to evolve, we will communicate regularly through this website, email updates, webinars, and other University communications.
If you have questions about how the Final Rule may affect your individual circumstances, we encourage you to contact Penn ISSS. Our advisors are here to help.
Executive Summary
Key Regulatory Changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Webinars & Presentations
Planning & Preparation
