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DHS Proposed Rule to Replace Duration of Status to Fixed Periods of Stay

On DATE, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a FINAL RULE in the Federal Register to replace "duration of status" (D/S) with a fixed time period for students and their dependents in F-1 non-immigrant status. This change creates fixed admission dates to align with program end dates indicated on the Form I-20.

This rule is in effective as of DATE.

Summary of Changes:

Under the rule, F-1 non-immigrants are admitted only until their program end date as listed on the Form I-20, not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day grace period. Any extension would require filing with USCIS.

Students now need to file an Extension of Stay in order to remain in active status passed their "admit until date."

Students now only have 30 days from the admit until date listed on their I-94 to take action and maintain their status. Example actions include applying for an extension of stay, optional practical training, or transferring to a university or college for a higher-level degree.

Students studying ESL are now limited to 24 months of ESL academic training. This will include any time spent studying at another institution prior to attending OCC's ESL program.

Students are no longer allowed to change their educational objective repeatedly or immediately.

Students are required to study for one (1) full academic year at Oakland Community College before they are eligible to transfer to another College or University.

Students are no longer allowed to do a Change of Education Level to begin a new program of study at the same educational level (Associate's to Associate's). Students also cannot begin a lower level of study (Associate to Certificate). The only students eligible for a Change of Education Level are ESL students moving to an academic program of study.

Contact Information

Email: F-1 Student Advisor
Phone: (248) 246-2563
Location: Suite 100A at the Royal Oak Campus.

Service Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm (Onsite & Virtual Services)

DHS Proposed Rule to Replace Duration of Status to Fixed Periods of Stay

Summary of Changes:

1. Replaces the Form I-94 "admit until date" of "duration of status" with a specific end date that aligns with the academic program length or 4 years, whichever is shorter.

2. Requires students to file a formal Extension of Stay (EOS) application and filing fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to extend lawful stay in the U.S.

3. Shortens the F-1 grace period to 30 days.

4. Caps the duration of English Language Training to 24 months in aggregate.

5. Restricts F-1 undergraduate students from changing "educational objective."

6. Restricts F-1 undergraduate students from transferring to another college or university at the same level.

7. Prohibits F-1 students from pursuing another academic program at the same or lower educational level.

Contact Information