{"id":3099,"date":"2026-09-04T12:50:52","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T16:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/?page_id=3099"},"modified":"2026-09-04T15:54:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T19:54:28","slug":"new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"New U.S. Duration of Stay Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The U.S. government made a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalregister.gov\/documents\/2026\/07\/17\/2026-14439\/establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-for-nonimmigrant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new rule<\/a> that changes how long you are allowed to stay in the United States. This rule starts <strong>Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026<\/strong>. <strong>If you are already in the U.S., you probably do not need to do anything on Sept. 15<\/strong>. Most students and scholars are protected for now. Some parts of this rule are still unclear. The government has not explained everything yet. We will update this page when we learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A court case may stop or delay the rule. A judge will hear the case on <strong>Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026<\/strong>. Until a judge says otherwise, we are planning for the rule to start on Sept. 15. Explore this page to learn more about the new rule and how it may impact you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#words-to-know\">Words To Know<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#basics\">The Basics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#already-in-us\">If You Are Already in the U.S.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#travel\">Travel<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#your-i-94\">Your I-94<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#extending-your-stay\">Extending Your Stay (Form I-539)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#working\">Working: OPT, STEM OPT, CPT<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#changing-major\">Changing Your Major, School or Degree<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#j-1-students\">J-1 Students and Scholars<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#your-family\">Your Family (F-2 and J-2)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#what-now\">What To Do Now<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#government-links\">Official Government Links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Questions about your own situation? Email <a href=\"mailto:international@syr.edu\">international@syr.edu<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"words-to-know\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Words To Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>I-94<\/strong>: Your U.S. entry record. It shows how long you can stay. You can view it on the <a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94\/I-95 website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Admit Until Date (AUD)<\/strong>: The last day you are allowed to stay in the United States. This will now appear on your I-94.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration of Status (D\/S)<\/strong>: The old system. Your I-94 said &#8220;D\/S&#8221; instead of a date. You could stay in the U.S. as long as you were a student in good standing. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extension of Stay (EOS)<\/strong>: Asking the U.S. government for more time. You use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-539\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-539<\/a> to do this.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)<\/strong>: The government office that decides these requests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)<\/strong>: The officers at the airport who let you into the country. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DSO \/ RO<\/strong>: Your advisor at the Center for International Services. We manage your SEVIS record and your I-20 or DS-2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"basics\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n<div role=\"region\" class=\"accordion\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What is changing?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <h3>Before<\/h3>\n<p>Your I-94 said &#8220;D\/S.&#8221; You could stay in the United States as long as you were a student and followed the rules. If you needed more time, the Center for International Services gave you a new I-20 or DS-2019. That was enough.<\/p>\n<h3>Now<\/h3>\n<p>Your I-94 will show a <strong>date<\/strong>. That date is usually your program end date. The longest date they will give you is <strong>four (4) years<\/strong> from when you enter.<\/p>\n<p>If you need to stay past that date, a new I-20 is <strong>not enough anymore<\/strong>. You must do one of two things:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Ask USCIS for more time (Form I-539), or;<\/li>\n<li>Leave the U.S. and come back in.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Can I only stay four years?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>No<\/strong>. This is the biggest misunderstanding about the new rule.<\/p>\n<p>Four years is the longest <strong>one entry<\/strong> can last. It is not a limit on your degree. It is not a limit on your time in F-1 or J-1 status.<\/p>\n<p>Many Ph.D. students take six or seven years. Many scholars stay longer than four years. You can still do this. You just need to get more time before your date runs out.<\/p>\n<p>Also, <strong>we will still give you an I-20 or DS-2019 for your full program<\/strong>, even if your program is longer than four years.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Is my visa or my status changing?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>No<\/strong>. You are still an F-1 or J-1. Your rules stay the same\u2014full-time enrollment, work permission, reporting your address.<\/p>\n<p>Your visa still works the same way. It lets you ask to enter the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>What changes is <strong>your I-94<\/strong>. It is now the most important document for knowing how long you can stay. And it might end <strong>before<\/strong> your I-20 or DS-2019 ends. That is normal under the new rule.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What else is changing?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <ul>\n<li>The <b>F-1 grace period <\/b>has shortened from 60 days to<b> 30 days.<\/b> This period is the time you have after you finish your program.\n<ul>\n<li>The J-1 grace period was already 30 days; there is no change for J-1.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>It is harder to change your major, change your degree level or transfer schools.<\/strong> Read more on this under the <a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#changing-major\">Changing Your Major, School or Degree<\/a> section of this webpage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If you finish a degree, you cannot start another degree at the same level or a lower level.<\/strong> This only applies to degrees you finish on or after Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What happens if I stay past my date?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>This is serious. Please note these changes.<\/p>\n<p>Under the old system, if you made a mistake, there was usually time to fix it before it became a legal problem.<\/p>\n<p>Under the new system, if you stay past the date on your I-94 without permission, you can be <strong>out of status right away<\/strong>. You also start building &#8220;unlawful presence.&#8221;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>More than 180 days of unlawful presence means you may be banned from the U.S. for three (3) years.<\/li>\n<li>One year or more of unlawful presence means you may be banned from the U.S. for 10 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is why you must know your date and plan early.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Could this rule be stopped?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>Maybe<\/strong>. Two things could happen:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The court case.<\/strong> A judge hears it on Sept. 9, 2026.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Congress<\/strong> could vote to cancel the rule. This is possible, but rare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the date changes, we will update this page and email you.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"already-in-us\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">If You Are Already in the U.S.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This section is for <strong>most Syracuse University students and scholars<\/strong>. Please read the below information.<\/p>\n\n\n<div role=\"region\" class=\"accordion\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Do I have to do anything on Tuesday, Sept. 15?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>No\u2014if all of the following are true:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You are in the U.S. on Sept. 15, 2026, and;<\/li>\n<li>Your I-94 says &#8220;D\/S,&#8221; and;<\/li>\n<li>You are following your F-1 or J-1 rules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If all of the above apply to you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You will <strong>not<\/strong> get a new I-94.<\/li>\n<li>You will <strong>not<\/strong> get a new date.<\/li>\n<li>You do <strong>not<\/strong> pay anything.<\/li>\n<li>You do <strong>not<\/strong> file anything.<\/li>\n<li>You do <strong>not<\/strong> leave the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your classes, your research, your job\u2014everything continues normally. This is called the <strong>transition rule<\/strong>.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            How long do the current rules apply to me?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>Until one of these things happen:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You leave the U.S. and come back in.<\/li>\n<li>USCIS approves an Extension of Stay for you.<\/li>\n<li>You change to a different visa status.<\/li>\n<li>You get a new I-94 arrival record for any other reason.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>After any of these, <strong>you move to the new system. You cannot go back<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If none of these happen, you can stay until your program end date on your current I-20 or DS-2019 (or until your EAD end date, if you are on Optional Practical Training [OPT]).<\/p>\n<p>There are also final deadlines.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For F-1 students: <strong>Nov. 14, 2030<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>For J-1 students and scholars: <strong>Oct. 15, 2030<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Most people will move to the new system before then, usually by traveling.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Do I still get 60 days after I graduate?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>Yes<\/strong>\u2014if you are still protected by the transition rule.<\/p>\n<p>You could lose the 60 days and get 30 days instead once you get a new I-94. That happens when you travel and re-enter, or when USCIS approves an extension for you.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            I am a 5th- or 6th-year Ph.D. student. Do I have to leave?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>No.\u00a0<\/strong>Being past four years does not matter if you were already here on D\/S.<\/p>\n<p>You continue until your I-20 program end date. You will need to take action later\u2014when you need more time, or when you apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            My visa expired. Is that a problem?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>No<\/strong>\u2014not while you are inside the U.S. and following your rules.<\/p>\n<p>You only need a valid visa to <strong>enter<\/strong> the U.S. If you plan to travel, you will need to renew it.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"travel\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel<\/h2>\n\n\n<div role=\"region\" class=\"accordion\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What happens if I leave and come back after Sept. 15, 2026?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>You will get a <strong>new I-94 with a date on it<\/strong>. Your transition protection ends.<\/p>\n<p>Your new date will be whichever comes first:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019, <strong>or;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Four (4) years from the day you enter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Then they add 30 days.<\/p>\n<h3>Examples<\/h3>\n<p><!-- wp:table --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Your Situation<\/th>\n<th>Your Estimated New Date<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Undergraduate whose I-20 ends in two (2) years.<\/td>\n<td>Program end date + 30 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>New Ph.D. student whose I-20 is six (6) years.<\/td>\n<td>Four (4) years + 30 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>J-1 student or scholar whose DS-2019 ends in 18 months.<\/td>\n<td>DS-2019 end date + 30 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) when you return, your date is usually tied to your work permit (EAD) end date.<\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:table --><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Should I cancel my travel plans?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>Not necessarily.<\/strong> Travel is part of student life\u2014family, conferences, research, visa renewal.<\/p>\n<p>However, talk to an advisor at the Center for International Services before you book a trip if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You are in your final year.<\/li>\n<li>You plan to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).<\/li>\n<li>Your program is longer than four years.<\/li>\n<li>You have an application pending with USCIS.<\/li>\n<li>You need a new visa, or visa appointments are slow in your country.<\/li>\n<li>There are travel restrictions for your country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            I am applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) soon. Does travel matter?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>Yes, a lot.\u00a0<\/strong>Traveling at the wrong time can mean filing two applications instead of one. <strong>Talk to your advisor first. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You can read more on this in the <a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#working\">Working: OPT, STEM OPT, CPT<\/a> section of this webpage.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What should I do after I come back?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/home\">Check your I-94 online<\/a>. Do this every time you enter the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your status is correct (F-1, F-2, J-1 or J-2).<\/li>\n<li>Your date looks right.<\/li>\n<li>Your name and passport number are correct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If something looks wrong, <strong><a href=\"mailto:international@syr.edu\">email the Center for International Services<\/a> right away<\/strong>. Mistakes are much easier to fix in the first few days.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Does my passport matter more now?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>Yes.\u00a0<\/strong>Keep your passport valid for at least six (6) months past the day you plan to enter.<\/p>\n<p>If your passport expires soon, <strong>CBP may give you a shorter date<\/strong> than your program needs. Renew your passport early.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"your-i-94\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your I-94<\/h2>\n\n\n<div role=\"region\" class=\"accordion\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Why is my I-94 so important now?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>Because it tells you the last day you can stay in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>Here is how your three documents work together:<\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:table --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Document<\/th>\n<th>What It Does<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Visa<\/td>\n<td>Lets you ask to enter the U.S.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I-20 or DS-2019<\/td>\n<td>Shows your school program and dates.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I-94<\/td>\n<td>Shows how long you can stay.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Get your I-94 from the <a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CBP I-94\/I-95 website<\/a>. Save a copy every time.<\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:table --><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            My I-94 date is before my I-20 date. Is that a mistake?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>Usually, <strong>no<\/strong>. Under the new rule this is normal, especially if your program is longer than four years.<\/p>\n<p>But it means something important: <strong>getting a new I-20 does not give you more time to stay<\/strong>. You need a new I-94. You get one by asking USCIS for an extension, or by traveling and re-entering.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Will the Center for International Services remind me before my date?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>We will send general reminders and updates when we can, but <strong>watching your own date is your job<\/strong>. This is now just as important as staying enrolled full-time.<\/p>\n<p>Please check your I-94 after every trip, write down the date and contact us <strong>several months<\/strong> before it ends if you will need more time.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"extending-your-stay\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extending Your Stay (Form I-539)<\/h2>\n\n\n<div role=\"region\" class=\"accordion\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What is an Extension of Stay?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>It is a request to USCIS for more time in the U.S. You file <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-539\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Form I-539<\/strong><\/a> and pay a fee.<\/p>\n<p>If USCIS says yes, you get a new I-94 with a new date.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> This gives you more time to <em>stay<\/em>. It does not extend your <em>program<\/em>. Get your new I-20 or DS-2019 from the Center for International Services <strong>first<\/strong>.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Do I need one?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>Not everyone does. Many undergraduate and master&#8217;s students finish before their date and never file one.<\/p>\n<p>You will probably need one (or you will need to travel) if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your program will go past your I-94 date.<\/li>\n<li>You need extra semesters to finish.<\/li>\n<li>You got four years but your degree program is longer.<\/li>\n<li>Your Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT or Academic Training goes past your date.<\/li>\n<li>Your J-1 appointment is extended.<\/li>\n<li>You are starting a new program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Should I file with USCIS or just travel?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>It depends on your situation. We cannot say which is better for everyone.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Traveling may be better if:<\/strong> you already have a valid visa, you were going to travel anyway and visa appointments in your country are quick.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Filing may be better if:<\/strong> your visa expired, appointments are slow, there are travel restrictions for your country or you have another application pending that travel could hurt.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Talk to your advisor before you decide.<\/strong><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            When do I file?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>USCIS must <strong>receive<\/strong> your application <strong>before your I-94 date<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>But to keep working while you wait, you usually need to file <strong>before your program end date<\/strong>\u2014not just before your I-94 date. These are two different dates. Ask your advisor which one applies to you.<\/p>\n<p>We may need time to make your new I-20 or DS-2019 first, so <strong>contact us several months early<\/strong>.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Can I stay while I wait?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>Usually yes<\/strong>, if you filed on time and are following your rules. You can usually keep studying.<\/p>\n<p>Working is different. R<span>ead more in the <a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#working\">Working: OPT, STEM OPT, CPT<\/a> section of this webpage.<\/span><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Can I travel while I wait?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>This is risky.<\/strong> If you leave, USCIS may cancel your application.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Talk to your advisor before you make any travel plans<\/strong> while your application is pending.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What if USCIS says no?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>Contact the Center for International Services immediately. What happens next depends on why they said no.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What is a &quot;compelling academic reason&quot;?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>F-1 students asking for more time must provide a strong academic reason. Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your lab work or experiments were delayed.<\/li>\n<li>Your research changed direction, with your department&#8217;s approval.<\/li>\n<li>You changed your major, which added required coursework (undergraduates).<\/li>\n<li>You had a documented medical problem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>USCIS decides\u2014not Syracuse University.\u00a0<\/strong>We can help you prepare your documents. We cannot promise they will say yes.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"working\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Working: OPT, STEM OPT, CPT<\/h2>\n\n\n<div role=\"region\" class=\"accordion\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Is Optional Practical Training (OPT) going away?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>No.<\/strong> OPT, STEM OPT, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), on-campus jobs and J-1 Academic Training all still exist. The rules for getting them have not changed.<\/p>\n<p>What changed is <strong>how long you are allowed to be in the country<\/strong> while you use them.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Is there a special deadline for OPT?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>Yes, and it is important.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you were here on D\/S before Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, and USCIS <strong>receives<\/strong> your OPT or STEM OPT application (Form I-765) <strong>on or before March 18, 2027<\/strong>, you <strong>do not<\/strong> need to file a separate Extension of Stay.<\/p>\n<p>Two things to remember:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>What matters is the day <strong>USCIS <em>receives<\/em><\/strong> your form. Not your graduation day. Not the day you file it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>This usually does not work if you travel outside the U.S. after Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, and then apply. <\/strong>In that case, you will probably need <strong>two (2)<\/strong> applications:\u00a0 Form I-765 <strong>and<\/strong> Form I-539.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>If you are graduating this year and thinking about travel, talk to your advisor before you book anything.<\/strong><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Can I work while my extension is pending?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>It depends on the kind of work.<\/p>\n<p>For <strong>on-campus jobs<\/strong>, <strong>Curricular Practical Training (CPT)<\/strong>, <strong>economic hardship work<\/strong> and <strong>J-1 Academic Training<\/strong>: If you file <strong>before your program end date<\/strong>, you can usually keep working for up to <strong>240 days<\/strong> while you wait. If you file during your grace period instead, you <strong>do not<\/strong> get these 240 days. You must stop and wait for approval.<\/p>\n<p>For <strong>OPT<\/strong> and <strong>STEM OPT<\/strong> (after you graduate): There is <strong>no 240-day rule<\/strong>. Filing an extension <strong>does not<\/strong> let you start working. If your stay ends when your program ends, you can file Form I-539 and Form I-765 at the same time. But <strong>you cannot start working until both are approved<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>One exception:<\/strong> If you file a STEM OPT extension on time, you can keep working up to 180 days after your current work permit ends. This rule has not changed.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Does the 240 days mean I was approved?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>No.\u00a0<\/strong>It only means you can keep working while USCIS decides. They can still say no.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"changing-major\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Changing Your Major, School or Degree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new rule limits changes to your &#8220;<strong>educational objective<\/strong>.&#8221; That means your <strong>major<\/strong> or your <strong>degree level<\/strong>. The following count as changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Changing your major.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving from a bachelor&#8217;s to a master&#8217;s program, or from a master&#8217;s program to a Ph.D. program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adding a second degree at the same level.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following <strong>do not<\/strong> count as changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choosing different classes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making normal progress in your current degree program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div role=\"region\" class=\"accordion\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            For Undergraduate Students            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>In your <strong>first academic year<\/strong>, you <strong>cannot<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Transfer to another school.<\/li>\n<li>Change your major.<\/li>\n<li>Change your degree level.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The only exception is if the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approves a special case (for example, your school closes or experiences a natural disaster).<\/p>\n<p><strong>After your first year<\/strong>, you <em><strong>can<\/strong><\/em> do all of these things.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            For Graduate Students            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>The rules are much stricter. While you are in your program, you generally <strong>cannot<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Change your major.<\/li>\n<li>Change to a different degree program.<\/li>\n<li>Change your degree level.<\/li>\n<li>Transfer to another school.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The following are some realistic examples of what is <strong>not allowed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You are studying for an M.S. in mechanical engineering. You cannot switch to an M.S. in computer science.<\/li>\n<li>You are a Ph.D. student in one department. You cannot switch to a Ph.D. in a different department.<\/li>\n<li>Your professor moves to another university. You generally cannot transfer to follow them.<\/li>\n<li>You are in one degree program. You cannot add a second degree program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) can approve exceptions for special situations, but these are rare (for example, your school closes or experiences a natural disaster).<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What if I finish my master&#039;s degree and want to start a Ph.D.?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>This is different from changing in the middle of a program. Finishing one degree and moving to a <strong>higher<\/strong> level is still allowed\u2014including at a different school.<\/p>\n<p>However, you will still need a new I-94. That means requesting an extension or traveling.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What about getting a second degree at the same level?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><!-- wp:table --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Allowed<\/th>\n<th>Not Allowed<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Advancing from a bachelor&#8217;s degree program into a master&#8217;s degree program.<\/td>\n<td>Getting a master&#8217;s degree and then acquiring a second master&#8217;s degree.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Advancing from a master&#8217;s degree program into a Ph.D. program.<\/td>\n<td>Getting a bachelor&#8217;s degree and then acquiring a second bachelor&#8217;s degree.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td>Getting a master&#8217;s degree and then acquiring a graduate certificate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>This only applies to degrees you finish <strong>on or after Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026<\/strong>.<\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:table --><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What if my grades are low?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>If you are on academic probation or suspension, you generally <strong>cannot<\/strong> transfer schools or change your major.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            Could these rules be delayed?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>Maybe.<\/strong> The government said it may delay these specific rules\u2014about transfers, majors and degree levels\u2014until as late as <strong>Sept. 14, 2028<\/strong>. They have not decided yet.<\/p>\n<p>If they delay, we will tell you.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"j-1-students\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">J-1 Students and Scholars<\/h2>\n\n\n<div role=\"region\" class=\"accordion\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            How does this affect me?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>The same way. If you enter on or after Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, you get a date on your I-94. It will be your DS-2019 end date or four years\u2014whichever is shorter\u2014plus 30 days.<\/p>\n<p>Your grace period remains 30 days. Nothing has changed there.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            My department is extending my appointment. What do I need?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>Your Responsible Officer will extend your SEVIS record and give you a new DS-2019, like always. <strong>But that is not enough anymore.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Check your I-94 date. If your new appointment goes past that date, you need either:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An approved Extension of Stay from USCIS, or;<\/li>\n<li>To travel and re-enter the U.S.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Departments: please start reappointment paperwork earlier than before.\u00a0<\/strong>The timeline now often includes waiting for USCIS.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            What about Academic Training?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p>The rules for getting it have not changed.<\/p>\n<p>If you file an extension <strong>before your DS-2019 program end date<\/strong>, you can usually continue Academic Training for up to 240 days while you wait. <strong>Filing during your grace period does not give you this ability.<\/strong><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            I am already here on D\/S. Is there anything I need to do on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026?            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <p><strong>No.<\/strong> The transition rule protects you, too. You continue until your current DS-2019 end date. Your final deadline is Oct. 15, 2030.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"your-family\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Family (F-2 and J-2)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your family&#8217;s status depends on yours, so this rule affects them, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your spouse and children will get <strong>a date on their I-94, matching yours<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you need an Extension of Stay, <strong>they usually need one, too<\/strong>. File at the same time so your dates match.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If they are already here on D\/S before Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, <strong>they are protected by the transition rule, too<\/strong>. They do not need to do anything. They move to the new system when you do.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>J-2 work permission rules have not changed<\/strong>. But because J-2 status depends on the J-1&#8217;s stay, watch both the J-1&#8217;s I-94 date and the J-2&#8217;s work permit date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-now\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Do Now<\/h2>\n\n\n<div role=\"region\" class=\"accordion\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            For Everyone            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <ul>\n<li>Find your <strong>program end date<\/strong> on your I-20 or DS-2019.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get your I-94<\/strong> on the <a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/home\">I-94\/I-95 website<\/a> and save a copy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check your passport<\/strong>\u2014is it valid for at least six (6) more months?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Update your address<\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/myslice.ps.syr.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MySlice<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Keep following your rules\u2014full-time enrollment, work permission, reporting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            If You Are Planning To Travel            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <ul>\n<li>Review the <a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#travel\">Travel<\/a> section of this webpage.<\/li>\n<li>Talk to your advisor first\u2014especially if you are in your final year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            If You Are Applying for OPT or STEM OPT This Year            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <ul>\n<li>Review the <a href=\"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/maintaining-status\/new-u-s-duration-of-stay-rules\/#working\">Working: OPT, STEM OPT, CPT<\/a> section of this webpage.<\/li>\n<li>Note the <strong>March 18, 2027<\/strong> <strong>deadline<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Talk to your advisor <strong>before you travel<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"accordion-item border border-gray-light\">\n      <div class=\"accordion-header-text\">\n        <h3 class=\"margin-bottom-0\">\n          <button class=\"accordion-header full-width background-gray-light-30 border-0 margin-0 padding-top-2 padding-bottom-2 padding-left-3 padding-right-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            If Your Program Is Longer Than Four Years            <div class='accordion-toggle icon-right' class=''>\n              <i class='icon-chevron-right'><\/i>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class='accordion-content'>\n        <ul>\n<li>Start planning early for an extension or a trip.<\/li>\n<li>Contact us <strong>months before<\/strong> your date\u2014not in the last few weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"government-links\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Official Government Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalregister.gov\/documents\/2026\/07\/17\/2026-14439\/establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-for-nonimmigrant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The New Rule<\/a> (Federal Register)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studyinthestates.dhs.gov\/final-rule-establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Government Frequently Asked Questions<\/a> (Study in the States)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studyinthestates.dhs.gov\/final-rule-establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-quick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Quick Facts About the Rule<\/a> (Study in the States)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-539\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-539 (Extension of Stay)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Your I-94<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The U.S. government made a new rule that changes how long you are allowed to stay in the United States. This rule starts Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. If you are already in the U.S., you probably do not need to do anything on Sept. 15. Most students and scholars are protected for now. Some parts&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":324,"featured_media":0,"parent":459,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3099","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","featured-nav-header"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3099","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/324"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3099"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3099\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3140,"href":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3099\/revisions\/3140"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}