Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is monitoring federal changes to Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 students. Scheduled to be implemented on September 15, 2026, these regulations will change how long many international students are admitted to the United States and will require additional planning throughout a student's academic career.  

While many aspects of studying at GVSU would remain the same, students may need to work more closely with both their academic advisor and the International Student Services (ISS) Team when making academic decisions that could affect their graduation timeline or immigration record.  

Our goal is to help students plan early, remain in compliance with federal regulations, and continue taking advantage of the many academic opportunities available at GVSU. 

Watch the Duration Status Town Hall recording to review everything that was covered. Please note that access is restricted to GVSU accounts, so you'll need to sign in with your GVSU email to view the video.

Maintaining valid F-1 or J-1 immigration status is the student's responsibility and is essential to remaining in the United States legally. Failure to maintain status can have serious immigration consequences, including the inability to continue studying under F-1 or J-1 status, the loss of employment authorization, the need to depart the United States, or difficulty obtaining future immigration benefits.  

When the proposed Duration of Status regulations are implemented, students who need additional time to complete their degree will not automatically receive additional time. Instead, they will be required to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of their authorized period of stay. This process will involve government filing fees, extensive supporting documentation, several months of processing time, and approval by USCIS. Grand Valley State University cannot extend a student's authorized period of stay on its own. Please note that Grand Valley State University does not have the authority to make decisions regarding status.  We can only advocate for our students and provide information based on guidelines from US Immigration.  We are here to support you and link you with the necessary resources, but ultimately, decisions are made by US Citizenship and Immigration Services.  

The best way to avoid immigration complications is to plan early. Meet regularly with your academic advisor, request a graduation audit each year, and contact the ISS Team before making academic or travel decisions that could affect your graduation timeline. 

When the regulations become effective on September 15, 2026, requirements to maintain F-1 and J-1 status may vary depending on most recent arrival date to the United States.

• Meet with your academic advisor each semester
• Review your MyPath audit each semester
• Review your expected graduation date annually
• Confirm the information on your I-94 is accurate
• Look at your I-20/DS-2019 every 6 months to be sure you do not pass your program end date
• Request an official graduation audit from the Registrar's office 2 semesters prior to graduation
• Contact the ISS Team before changing your academic program or graduation timeline -- remember, some changes are not permitted

International travel may become an important transition point when these regulations are implemented. Students should consult the ISS Team before international travel. Under the proposed framework, students may need to monitor both their Form I-20/DS2019 program end date and their authorized period of admission.

Consult the International Student Services (ISS) Team before international travel.

Also, please keep in mind the following recommendations from the ISS team:

• If you are planning to travel, consider evaluating the urgency of your travel and weigh the benefits and potential risks. Many changes are happening, and we cannot predict what the situation will be upon your return.
• F-1 students in valid status have the right to travel and re-enter the USA except those students whose country of citizenship is on the travel restrictions list. Students that are present in the USA are not advised to travel unless they have plans to remain outside the USA for the foreseeable future.
• Travel Restrictions Please reference the updated list of Travel Restricted countries as of January 1, 2026. There are currently 36 countries impacted by travel restrictions, and F-1 and J-1 statuses are both restricted for all these countries. Know that at this time no new F-1 or J-1 visas will be approved for nationals of these 36 restricted countries. Those on the travel restrictions list that are present in the USA are not advised to travel unless they have plans to remain outside the USA for the foreseeable future.

Federal Requirements: All F-1 and J-1 students are required to carry a copy (printed or digitally saved to their phone) of their most recent I-94 record at all times. This document confirms international students' entry into the U.S.A., their permitted duration of stay, and lists the international students' Admission Number. Carrying this document will mean international students are compliant with this Executive Order.

• Please keep a printed or digital copy of your I-94 on your person at all times. We also recommend you share a copy or where to find a copy with someone you trust.
• For any F-1 students with F-2 dependents, please ensure your F-2 dependents are aware of this requirement. Additionally, F-2 dependents under 14 years of age will be required to undergo biometric screening if:
  • They turn 14 years of age while in the U.S.A. or
  • They were less than 14 years of age when they applied for their F-2 visa overseas, turned 14 while overseas, and then entered the U.S.A. at 14 years of age
• If you do not already have a copy of your I-94 printed or saved to your phone, you can access it using this official CBP website.

• Returning F-1 and J-1 students should be present for the entirety of the semester to maintain their immigration status. Any late returns or short-term absences should be cleared with each of the faculty teaching their courses in advance of the absence. It is up to the faculty's discretion if they permit the absence and are willing to provide alternate methods of evaluation or other accommodations. Additionally, absences longer than a couple of days need to be discussed with the ISS Team to ensure the absence does not cause any immigration complications.
• New F-1 and J-1 students are not permitted to join GVSU in-person later than the first Friday of the semester (the add/drop deadline). See Important Dates for New Students

Planning Tip: A graduation delay is much easier to address before your authorized stay expires than after. If you think your graduation date may change even by one semester contact your academic advisor and the ISS Team as soon as possible.

• Changing majors (undergraduates only)
• Adding a second major or certificate (undergraduates only)
• Needing additional time to graduate
• Study abroad
• Medical Reduced Course Load (RCL)
• Authorized leave of absence
• Post-Graduation OPT/STEM OPT
• Transfer to another institution
• International travel, especially after academic changes

An extension of stay (EOS) is not automatic. Approval is discretionary and is made by USCIS not by GVSU. Students should plan their academic program carefully, meet regularly with their academic advisor and the ISS Team, and request assistance as early as possible if additional time may be needed.

USCIS is generally not expected to approve extensions simply because a student:

• Failed courses repeatedly due to poor academic performance
• Delayed graduation for personal preference
• Did not make normal academic progress
• Wants additional time for convenience
• Failed to plan an academic program appropriately
• Violated F-1 status

Although each case is individualized, USCIS will generally be looking for evidence that the student:

• Is maintaining valid F-1 status.
• Has made normal academic progress.
• Has a legitimate reason outside ordinary procrastination.
• Has a realistic plan to complete the program.
• Continues to meet financial support requirements.
• Remains otherwise eligible for F-1 status.

Included in this policy update are changes to how and when students in F-1 or J-1 status may change their major or program and transfer to another university.

Undergraduate F-1 or J-1 students will be eligible to change majors or transfer to another university after completing one academic year of study in the major and university originally listed on the I-20/DS2019.

Graduate students are not eligible to change academic programs after entering the US and are not eligible to transfer to another university

Included in this policy update are changes to how and when students in F-1 or J-1 status may change their level of study. Generally, students will not be allowed to pursue a second degree at the same or lower educational level than they’ve started after entering the US.

For example:

• A Bachelor’s degree seeking student, may not pursue a second Bachelor’s degree after completing the degree in the US, nor pursue a lower-level degree (ex. Associate's degree). They would be eligible to pursue a higher-level degree, such as a Master’s or PhD program.
• Similarly, a student earning a Master’s level degree could not pursue a second Master’s, Bachelor’s, or Associate's degree after completing the Master’s degree, but would be allowed to pursue a PhD or higher level program.

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/final-rule-establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-faq

Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the final rule, “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” for F students.

Important: The information below is based on proposed federal regulations set to take effect on September 15, 2026. These regulations have not been implemented yet. Grand Valley State University will update this page as additional guidance becomes available.