US Student Visa Regulations 2026: What international students should know
New federal regulations impacting F-1, F-2, J-1 and J-2 students and scholars are currently set to go into effect September 15, 2026. The biggest changes relate to the length of time students can stay in the US, whether they can change majors or universities and what they can study after completing a degree. The guidelines are still open to change so students should keep up to date and plan their study carefully.
Introduction
The US continues to be a popular choice for overseas students, but some key changes are coming for the laws that regulate F-1, F-2, J-1 and J-2 visa holders.
The modifications were published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026, and are scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Here’s what the September 3 court hearing could mean for International students.
For students planning to Study in the US, there is no need to panic. However, understanding the new rules before making academic decisions will become more important than ever.
Here is a simple breakdown of what is changing.
What is changing for international students?
The new regulations apply to:
- F-1 and F-2 students and dependants, including students studying English, students on Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT.
- J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors, including students and scholars.
1. Your authorised stay will have a specific end date
One of the biggest changes is the move from Duration of Status (D/S) to an Admit Until Date (AUD).
Previously, eligible F-1 and J-1 students were generally admitted for the duration of their status, as long as they continued to meet the relevant requirements.
Under the new system, the I-94 record will show a specific Admit Until Date. This will generally be the earlier of:
- The programme end date on the student's I-20 or DS-2019, or
- Four years from admission, or two years where applicable.
Students in ESL programmes may receive a maximum admission period of two years.
2. Changing your major will have more restrictions
Graduate students will generally not be able to change their educational objective during their programme unless they receive an SEVP exception because of extenuating circumstances.
For undergraduate students, changing majors will generally not be permitted during the first academic year, unless an exception is granted.
This makes choosing your programme and academic direction carefully from the beginning even more important.
3. Transferring universities will be more restricted
Graduate students will generally not be able to transfer to another university during their course of study unless an SEVP exception applies.
For undergraduate students, transfers will generally not be permitted during the first academic year, unless an exception is granted.
Students considering a university transfer should therefore understand the rules before making a decision.
4. Continuing to another degree
After completing a degree, F-1 and J-1 students will generally only be able to continue to a higher degree level.
Moving to another programme at the same or a lower academic level will no longer be permitted under these rules.
What can students do now?
The best thing students can do is plan ahead.
Before you choose a university or program, consider carefully about your academic ambitions, desired subject of study and longer-term aspirations. If you are already studying in the US, speak to your university's international student office before changing your program or institution.
And always check your immigration documentation, especially your I-94 after re-entering the US.
These changes require international students to be more intentional with their academic planning in the U.S.
But they do not close the doors to opportunities available to international students. The trick is to know the rules, make informed choices and get help when you don’t know.
The regulations can also change and further instructions from the US Department of Homeland Security may affect their implementation.
The best method to move ahead with confidence to study in the US is to keep informed.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on regulations and information available at the time of publication. Litigation, congressional review, system improvements or additional government instructions may result in changes to the effective date or implementation. This article is for general information only and is not intended to be legal advice.
FAQs
Are the new US student rules already in effect?
No. The regulations were published on July 17, 2026 and are currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. The date could change.
Who will be affected by the new rules?
The changes apply to F-1 and F-2 non-immigrants and J-1 and J-2 non-immigrants, including students, scholars and eligible students on OPT and STEM OPT.
Will international students still be able to study in the US?
Yes. The changes affect how students manage their academic and immigration status; they do not end the opportunity for international students to study in the US.
What is an Admit Until Date?
The Admit Until Date, or AUD, is the date shown on a student's I-94 that determines their authorised period of stay in the US under the new system.
Can students still change their major?
There will be new restrictions. Graduate students generally cannot change their educational objective, while undergraduate students generally cannot change their major during their first academic year, unless an applicable SEVP exception is granted.
Can international students transfer universities?
Transfers will also have new restrictions, particularly during the first academic year for undergraduate students and during a programme for graduate students, unless an applicable exception is granted.
Can students pursue another degree after graduation?
Under the new rules, students will generally only be able to continue to a higher degree level, rather than another degree at the same or a lower level.
