D/S Final Rule: Students & Scholars
Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially published a Final Rule in the Federal Register that will change how F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents are admitted to and maintain lawful status in the United States. Although the Final Rule has now been published, it will not take effect until September 15, 2026, following a 60-day implementation period. During this period, current immigration regulations, procedures, and advising practices will remain in effect.
Under the new rule, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents will generally be admitted for the length of their academic or exchange program, up to a maximum of four years. Individuals whose programs or authorized activities extend beyond their initial period of admission may either apply directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of stay or depart the United States and seek readmission for a new authorized period.
The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) leadership team is conducting a comprehensive review of the Final Rule in collaboration with University partners to assess its implications for Penn’s international community and to develop guidance for students, scholars, and academic departments.
What You Should Know
- The Final Rule changes the period for which F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents may be admitted to the United States. It does not take effect until September 15, 2026.
- You should continue to follow ISSS guidance on immigration regulations and their implication to your status.
- ISSS will communicate directly with you if future actions are required or if additional federal guidance affects your situation.
- F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants who are currently outside the United States may wish to consider returning before September 15, 2026, where feasible. International travel and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admission are always subject to individual circumstances.
What ISSS Is Doing
- Hosting a University-wide informational webinar on Thursday, July 23, from 2:00–3:00 p.m.ET to explain the Final Rule, discuss its potential implications, answer questions, and provide updates on implementation. A direct event invitation will be sent separately next week.
- Conducting a detailed review of the Final Rule and its implications for Penn and monitoring implementation guidance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Developing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), guidance documents, and other resources to help our international community understand the new requirements.
Our Commitment
We recognize that changes to federal immigration regulations can create uncertainty and concern. Please know that ISSS is committed to supporting you throughout this process by providing timely, accurate, and transparent information.
Our goal is to help every Penn international student and scholar understand what the new rule means, what it does not mean, and what, if any, actions may eventually be required.
We encourage you to monitor your Penn email and the News & Announcements and Immigration sections of the ISSS website for official updates. As our review continues and additional federal guidance becomes available, we will provide updated information and implementation guidance.
If you have urgent questions regarding your individual circumstances, please contact your ISSS advisor.