Federal Immigration Updates

New Fixed Period of Admission Rule

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Additional Resources

Overview

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a federal rule replacing “Duration of Status” (D/S) with fixed-date admission to the U.S., or a “Fixed Period of Admission” (FPA). The final rule was published on July 17, 2026 and becomes effective September 15, 2026.

The new rule impacts procedures that F-1 and J-1 students, alumni on OPT, J-1 scholars, and all F-2 and J-2 dependents, must take to extend their programs and lawful stay in the U.S. The rules for changing educational objectives and transferring to a new institution are also impacted.

The Association of International Educators (NAFSA) has provided the following summary:

The final rule replaces “duration of status” admissions to the United States in F and J nonimmigrant status with fixed end dates on Form I-94, requires students and exchange visitors to file formal extension applications with USCIS to stay beyond their I-94 "admit until" date (AUD), shortens the F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 to 30 days, and imposes new limits on academic flow and educational mobility. DHS argues the changes will improve oversight, program integrity, and national security, but institutions will face higher compliance costs and legal risks, enrollment impacts, and heavier advising burdens. There are transition provisions for F and J nonimmigrants who were admitted for D/S on their Form I-94 and are inside the United States on September 15, 2026, the final rule effective date. These individuals will not have to immediately apply for a date-certain I-94, but they must still apply for an extension of stay in order to remain in status beyond the program end date on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, or four years from the final rule effective date, whichever is shorter, and will also be subject to the new academic restrictions in varied ways. If someone in this transition group exits the United States and reenters on or after September 15, 2026, CBP will readmit them with a Form I-94 with a date-specific AUD.

Impact

The rule changes the way F and J nonimmigrants (including almost all international students and J-1 scholars at Purdue University) are admitted to the United States. It limits students’ and scholars’ admission to the U.S. and approved immigration status to a fixed period of time and requires any request to extend their immigration status to be reviewed and approved not only by an ISS counselor, but also by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is a significant change that requires new fees, procedures, additional processing time, and understanding of important immigration documents. Students and scholars making their initial entry into the U.S. will be most directly impacted by the change, but those continuing current programs also need to be aware that it will affect their status.

Only international students in F-1 and J-1 status (including interns), J-1 scholars, and their accompanying F-2 and J-2 dependents, are within the scope of Purdue’s likely exposure to this rule change. Dependents include one legal spouse and unmarried children up to the age of 21.

The DHS rule change will:

Replace the current form I-94 Arrival Record “admit until date” (AUD) of “duration of status” with a specific end date that aligns with the shorter of the following: for F-1 and J-1 students: the academic program length or a maximum of four years, whichever is shorter; and for J-1 scholars: the maximum duration of the J-1 "Box 4" category; the maximum duration of the Purdue appointment of employment; or a maximum of four years, whichever is shorter. The AUD is the period of lawful stay in the U.S. The current D/S AUD allows students and scholars to remain in the U.S. until their F-1/J-1 activities end, without a fixed or defined end date.
Require students and scholars to file formal Extension of Stay (EOS) applications and filing fees with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of a multi-step application process to extend lawful stay in the U.S. The current program extension process is completed by a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in the ISS office at Purdue and does not require a formal government application.
Shorten the current F-1 student grace period from 60 days to 30 days. The grace period is a period of lawful stay in the U.S. after completing an academic program during which an F nonimmigrant may prepare for departure from the U.S. Current rules allow an F-1 student to change education level, transfer schools, or apply for a change of immigration status or other benefit during the 60-day grace period. Under the rule, this period would be shortened to 30 days. There is no change to the J-1 student grace period as it is already set at 30 days.
Restrict F-1 undergraduate students from changing “educational objectives” or transferring to another U.S. higher education institution during their first academic year. Educational objectives refer to a student’s education level, major, or institution.
Prohibit F-1 graduate students from changing “educational objectives” or transferring to another U.S. higher education institution at any point in their studies.
Prohibit F-1 students from pursuing another academic program at the same or lower education level than previously completed. Students who previously completed an academic program in F-1 status in the U.S. would not be allowed to matriculate at the same or lower education level.

How Purdue is Preparing for this Change

International Student Services and International Scholar Services have been closely monitoring this change and discussing the rule’s potential impacts with University leaders, academic deans, and other campus units to help them understand and prepare for the changes.

We are currently reviewing the final rule and will provide detailed guidance to the Purdue community as promptly as possible via this webpage and emails to affected individuals. Until then, students, alumni, and scholars can connect with ISS for individual counseling.

ISS is committed to assisting Purdue’s international students and scholars in making informed decisions and taking timely action to ensure they continue smoothly and successfully on their academic and professional pathways. We understand this news may be concerning. Know that we are here to support you and guide you through the implementation and transition period. Please be sure to visit our Contact Student Services or our Contact Scholar Services webpages for all the ways you may engage directly with an advisor in our offices.

Quick reference guide to changes (QRG)

Regulatory Feature	Legacy Rule (D/S)	New Rule (FPA)
Duration of stay limit	Indefinite with continuous compliance	Academic program length or 4 years max
Extension authority	Handled in-house by Purdue ISS DSO/ARO	Multi-step Process: ISS Recommendation + USCIS Form I-539 approval
F-1 grace period	60 Days	30 Days (Matches J-1 window)
ISS program extension request submission deadline	Flexible up to graduation day	Strict 30-day minimum prior to program end date
Lateral/downward degree moves	Permitted with internal updates	Strictly prohibited (no masters-to-masters or PhD-to-masters)
Undergraduate educational objective changes	Routinely managed internally	Restricted until one year has been completed in original program of admission
Graduate changes to educational objective	Routinely managed internally	Banned (no mid-program changes or transfers to other institutions)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The information below addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the new federal fixed period of admission rule from various groups at Purdue. Students, faculty, postdocs, scholars, and staff can seek further assistance with these or other questions by contacting our offices.

Group 1: New and Continuing international students Entering the U.S. Before September 15, 2026

For continuing, newly admitted, reentry, or readmitted students entering the U.S. before September 15, 2026.

Q: I have an active "D/S" I-94 from my most recent entry, but I am traveling abroad. What will happen when I return?

A: The first time you return to the U.S. and clear a Port of Entry after the new rule takes effect (Sept. 15), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue you a new electronic Form I-94 displaying a date-specific expiration. This date will match your current Form I-20 or DS-2019 expected program end date or four years from this port of entry date (whichever is shorter). It will also include a 30-day, post-completion grace period.

Q: What should I do immediately after reentering the U.S.?

A: You must check the official CBP I-94/I-95 portal within 24 hours of every entry to retrieve and review your electronic Form I-94. If the "Admit Until Date" (AUD) does not align with your I-20 or DS-2019 timeline (plus the 30-day grace period), contact ISS immediately to request a CBP Deferred Inspection correction. Leaving an incorrect AUD uncorrected on your I-94 could cause you to automatically accrue severe unlawful presence penalties.

Q: I am a graduate student returning from abroad. Can I still change my research track or major?

A: No. Because mid-program changes and transfers are strictly banned for graduate students under this rule, you cannot utilize travel to "reset" or alter your major field of study. Any formal change to your numeric CIP code or degree objective is prohibited from within the U.S. or upon reentry unless you receive DHS approval.

Group 2: Incoming international students (initial entry) entering the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026

For newly admitted, reentry or readmitted students traveling to the U.S. to begin a new academic program on or after September 15, 2026.

Q: I will soon be entering the U.S. for the first time as a Purdue student. How long will I be allowed to stay?

A: Under the new rule, if you enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will assign you a strict, hard calendar date known as a Fixed Period of Admission. Your authorized period of stay in the U.S. will be capped at either your academic program length (as listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019) or a maximum of four (4) years, whichever is shorter.

Q: What happens if my studies take longer than four years (e.g., a PhD)?

A: If your program is likely to exceed the four-year cap, you will be required to execute a multi-step extension process.

First, you must request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 from ISS recommending an extension.
Second, you must file a formal Form I-539 Application to Extend Nonimmigrant Status (EOS) directly with USCIS and pay the required government filing fee. Your Fixed Period of Admission is not legally extended until USCIS formally approves this application. However, you are permitted to remain in the U.S. so long as your Form I-539 application is pending with USCIS.

Q: Can I change my major or transfer schools during my first year?

A: The new rule imposes absolute limits based on your educational objectives to ensure you adhere to the specific "educational objective" for which your visa was issued:

Undergraduate students (Bachelors level): You face a first-year curricular lock. You are prohibited from changing your major field of study, altering your core educational objectives, or transferring your SEVIS record to another U.S. institution during your first full academic year (initial two full semesters, summer semesters do not count). Exceptions are extremely rare and require formal review by DHS.
Graduate and professional students (masters, professional, PhD): You are legally locked into your specific objectives for the entire duration of your program. You are strictly prohibited from changing majors, changing specific academic programs, or transferring to another U.S. institution mid-program at any point during your studies unless you receive DHS approval.

Group 3: Continuing international students (remaining in the U.S.)

For currently enrolled students who remain in the U.S. during the period of rule transition.

Q: I am currently in the U.S. and my I-94 says it is valid for "D/S," How do I know when my status expires?

A: There is a six-month transition period. If your current I-94 document indicates "D/S", you must apply the Manual Calculation Rule. This means the federal government considers you to have a Fixed Period of Stay: your legal status will expire exactly 30 days after the program end date listed on your current Form I-20 or DS-2019 or four years from the effective date of the rule (plus 30 days), whichever is less, regardless of what text is printed on your I-94 record. Your I-20 or DS-2019 is the definitive clock regulating your authorized period of stay.

Q: What are the internal Purdue deadlines if I need a program extension?

A: Maintaining your status is your personal responsibility; you should monitor your program's end date every semester. If you have a compelling academic or documented medical reason for a delay, your next step is to navigate the 180/30 Day Processing Pipeline:

As early as 180 Days and Not Less Than 30 Days before your program end date: submit your completed Program Extension Request e-form via the MyISS portal, including updated evidence of financial support. Your academic advisor must also submit their formal recommendation e-form via MyISS before ISS can begin processing.
30 Days before your fixed period of admission expires: This is the absolute final cutoff deadline. ISS requires sufficient time for review and processing. Requests submitted less than 30 days before your program end date risk being denied, causing your SEVIS record to lock.
Note: Requests submitted to ISS for a program extension cannot happen on or after your program end date, nor can requests be authorized during your post-completion grace period.

Q: I want to pursue a second masters degree or another bachelor’s degree in the U.S. Is this allowed?

A: No. The new regulation introduces a strict ban on lateral and downward academic movements. F-1 and J-1 students are prohibited from pursuing a subsequent academic program at the same or a lower educational level than one they have already completed in the U.S. (e.g., you cannot earn a second masters degree, nor is it permitted to change from a PhD track to "master out" without severe status implications). However, upward, vertical progression (e.g., bachelors to masters, or masters to PhD) remains supported, provided you secure a new level-appropriate I-20/DS-2019 and file a timely Form I-539 EOS with USCIS or exit the U.S. and re-enter.

Q: How does the new rule impact my post-graduation grace period and employment benefits?

A: For F-1 students, the post-completion grace period is shortened from 60 days to 30 days, matching the J-1 timeline.

Critical compliance information:

Grace period restrictions: The 30-day grace period is strictly a departure preparation window. During this period, taking degree-seeking classes, working on campus, or engaging in any off-campus CPT, OPT, or AT is not permitted.
Employment authorizations: All on-campus employment and CPT authorizations naturally terminate on your program end date. CPT, OPT, or AT work can only begin when you possess the physical authorization document (I-20, EAD card, or updated DS-2019 letter with the accompanying AT letter) and the approved start date has arrived. Any work occurring outside the permitted dates is considered unauthorized employment and can lead to immediate SEVIS termination and the loss of all legal grace periods and other benefits.
USCIS denial risks: If you timely file a Form I-539 EOS with USCIS and it is subsequently denied after your fixed period of admission has passed, there is no grace period. You instantly begin accruing unlawful presence penalties and should depart the U.S. immediately. Accruing more than 180 days of unlawful presence carries an automatic 3-year bar from reentering the United States; 365 days or more of unlawful presence triggers an automatic 10-year bar.
Unlawful presence is a statutory lifetime accumulation under INA § 212(a)(9)(B). The accrual of unlawful presence days is aggregate across an individual's entire immigration history. Subsequent lawful entries, changes of status, or departures from the United States do not reset or nullify previously accrued days. Rather, any new incidence of unlawful presence will append to the existing historical balance, moving the individual closer to the non-discretionary inadmissibility bars

Group 4: Completing international students, OPT, & STEM OPT Extensions

For students navigating the end of their academic programs, applying for 12-month Post-Completion OPT, or transitioning from 12-month OPT to the 24-month STEM OPT Extension.

Q: I am preparing to apply for 12-month Post-Completion OPT. How does my Fixed Period of Admission date on my I-94 interact with my OPT application?

A: Under the new rule, your authorized stay is no longer an open-ended "D/S" status but rather will transition to a fixed period of admission. Be aware that: when you apply for 12-month Post-Completion OPT, your Form I-765 application only requests employment authorization; it does not automatically extend your lawful stay if your I-94 authorized period of admission is expired/expiring.

Transition Period: If your last entry to the U.S. was prior to September 15, 2026, and your most current I-94 record reflects duration of status (D/S) as the “Admit Until Date,” (AUD) you are part of the transition group DHS identified in the new rule. If you submit a complete and timely I-765 application for OPT to USCIS on or before March 18, 2027 (the established 6-month transition period), you do NOT need to file a separate Form I-539. Your timely filed I-765 application acts as a joint request. During this transition period, once approved, your fixed period of admission is automatically extended through your EAD end date plus your grace period when your EAD is approved under employment category C03B if the I-765 is properly and timely filed before March 18, 2027.
If at the time you apply for OPT, your current I-94 record already reflects a fixed period of admission expiration date because it was issued after the new rule took effect, you must file both the complete I-765 application for OPT and an I-539 EOS application to extend your stay in the U.S.

Q: I am currently on 12-month OPT and preparing to apply for my 24-month STEM OPT Extension. Do I need to file Form I-539 again?

A: Yes, in almost all cases. Because your previous fixed period of admission was legally tied to the expiration date of your initial 12-month OPT EAD card, that hard calendar deadline is a strict ceiling. To secure the 24-month STEM extension, you must successfully navigate the STEM OPT application process:

Obtain a STEM OPT recommendation I-20 from ISS.
File your Form I-765 STEM OPT application with USCIS before the end of your 12-month post-completion OPT period.
Simultaneously file a new Form I-539 EOS application to request USCIS to extend your fixed period of admission to your new 24-month STEM OPT Extension dates.

Q: If my current 12-month OPT EAD card expires while my STEM OPT application is still pending, can I legally stay and keep working?

A: The regulations provide a critical safety buffer, but you must monitor it closely:

Work Authorization: If you timely file your STEM OPT Form I-765 before your initial OPT EAD expires, your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 240 days while USCIS processes the application.
Legal Stay: If you also timely filed your accompanying Form I-539 EOS, you are permitted to remain physically present in the U.S. during this pending period. However, if USCIS ultimately denies your Form I-539 EOS after your initial EAD date has passed, you receive no grace period. You must cease all employment and depart the U.S. immediately to avoid severe unlawful presence penalties.

Q: Can I travel internationally while my Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT application is pending alongside a Form I-539 extension?

A: Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to travel and reenter the U.S. while your OPT, STEM OPT, and I-539 EOS applications are pending with USCIS. We advise that you carefully review your situation with an ISS counselor (and in some cases an experienced immigration attorney) prior to confirming any plans to travel outside the U.S. while you have applications pending with USCIS to avoid unnecessary complications or abandoning your USCIS applications. Traveling always involves some inherent risk of experiencing immigration complications.

Q: What is the post-OPT grace period under the new rule?

A: Once you successfully complete your authorized period of 12-month Post-Completion OPT or 24-month STEM OPT, you enter your final departure window. Under the new rule, the post-practical training grace period for F-1 students is 30 days from the expiration date listed on your EAD card.

Note: Just like the standard academic grace period, this window is exclusively for packing and preparing to depart the U.S., transferring your SEVIS record to a higher degree level, or filing a change of status. You are strictly prohibited from performing any work or earning income during these 30 days.

OPT & STEM OPT Compliance Checklist

[ ] Check the clock: Review your current electronic Form I-94 AUD against your expected graduation/EAD end date.
[ ] Dual filing check: Confirm if you are eligible to submit only the form I-765 (only legacy D/S I-94 holders who file later than March 18, 2027) or if you must dually file both the I-765 OPT and I-539 EOS applications.
[ ] Meet the 180/30-day submission deadlines: Submit your OPT/STEM OPT I-20 request to ISS via the MyISS portal up to 180 days before and not less than 30 days before your program end date or current EAD expiration date. Additionally, submit your complete I-765 OPT and I-539 EOS applications to USCIS by the end of your 30-day grace period.
[ ] Revisit international travel plans: Consider all international travel plans carefully and discuss with ISS and potentially outside legal counsel while your I-765 OPT and/or I-539 EOS applications are pending with USCIS to prevent automatic abandonment.

Group 5: Faculty & staff supporting international students with their compliance

As Purdue leaders, academic advisors, and faculty members, your guidance is critical to our students' academic success. Under the new Fixed Period of Admission (FPA) rule, standard academic milestones and adjustments have strict legal timelines. Routine internal changes that were previously handled by ISS in collaboration with stakeholders across campus will change after Sept. 15.

Below are the proactive best practices and regulatory limits to keep in mind when advising F-1 and J-1 students.

Academic advising & program adjustments

Q: A graduate student wants to change his/her major or switch to a different academic program within our department. Can we process this?

A: No. Under the new rule, graduate and professional students (masters, professional, and PhD) are strictly prohibited from changing their major field of study or specific academic programs once their program has begun. They are legally locked into the exact educational objective tracked by the original numeric code associated with their program of study. This code aligns with the National Center for Educational Statistics Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes. While they may take an elective course or two in another department, students cannot use outside coursework to transition into a new degree path or major.

Q: An undergraduate student wants to change majors or transfer to a different university during their freshman year. What should I advise?

A: Undergraduate students face a strict, first-year curricular lock. They are generally prohibited from changing their major field of study, altering their core educational objective, or transferring their SEVIS record to another U.S. higher education institution during their first full academic year (initial two full semesters, summer terms do not count toward meeting this requirement). Please advise them that they must remain registered under their original major code until they complete their first full year and to consult ISS with any questions. Exceptions are extremely rare and require explicit DHS approval.

Q: Can a PhD student who decides to leave the doctoral track "master out" and claim a masters degree instead?

A: Advise with extreme caution. Moving downward from a higher educational tier to a lower tier (such as PhD to masters) is heavily restricted under the new rule and likely carries severe status implications. Students seeking to "master out" risk becoming entirely ineligible to apply for post-completion OPT employment benefits. Always direct the student to an ISS advisor before any formal modifications are made to their degree path.

Q: After completing a degree program, can a student enroll in a second, parallel masters or bachelors program to gain extra skills?

A: No. The new regulation completely bans lateral or downward academic movements. Once a student completes an educational level in the U.S., they cannot pursue a subsequent or secondary program at that same or a lower level (e.g., earning a second masters degree after completing an initial masters). They are only permitted to progress vertically to a higher tier (e.g., masters to PhD).

Managing Program Extensions & Delays

Q: What is my role when a student needs a program extension, and what are the deadlines?

A: If a student's graduation timeline shifts for any reason, such as a compelling academic or documented medical reason, the student must submit a Program Extension Request along with the name and email address of their academic advisor, faculty advisor, or program coordinator in MyISS. If listed as the advisor, you will receive an email from ISS prompting you to complete a required Academic Advisor Recommendation Form via MyISS. The form confirms that the student is making normal progress, details the reason for delay, and must explicitly define their new expected program end date.

30-Day hard cutoff: ISS requires the completed extension request and your advisor recommendation at least 30 days before the student's current I-20 or DS-2019 expires. If the window is missed, the student's SEVIS record will lock, making an extension impossible and placing them out of status. The student may submit their Program Extension Request to ISS as many as 180 days before their current program end date.

Q: What qualifies as a legally valid reason for USCIS to approve an F-1 or J-1 student program extension?

A: Regulations allow extensions only for compelling academic or documented medical reasons. Standard valid reasons include:

Graduate research bottlenecks: Lab equipment failures, data collection challenges, change in research topic
Original length of time was insufficient: Recommendations for additional time based on an inadequate original timeframe must be strongly supported by evidence-based data. Submissions must include documentation and objective facts demonstrating why the original duration was insufficient to fulfill the academic requirements of the student’s educational objective.
Documented medical circumstances: A medical condition interrupting full-time study, which must be backed by official documentation from a licensed medical professional.
Extenuating circumstances: Some examples include when a school closes or is unable to hold in-person classes for an extended period due to natural disasters or other causes.
Note: Wanting to delay graduation to wait for a better job market, continuing to work an on-campus or off-campus job, or delays due to continuing work on publications that are not required for the completion of the thesis or dissertation are not permissible reasons for an extension.

Student Employment & Internships

Q: A student has an internship lined up, but the paperwork is still being processed by ISS. Can they start onboarding or training early if it is unpaid?

A: No. Under federal immigration guidelines, "employment" is defined as any activity performed in exchange for compensation of any kind — including housing, transit passes, or promises of future equity. Furthermore, onboarding, orientation, and technology setup constitute labor. A student may never perform a single day of work or training until they have the physical authorization document in hand, and the active start date has arrived. Doing so can result in immediate status termination.

Q: Can an international student "volunteer" in my lab or department without work authorization?

A: True volunteering is strictly reserved for altruistic, humanitarian, or charitable purposes with recognized non-profit organizations where no commercial employee is displaced. University policy contains careful language and descriptions of appropriate volunteer opportunities at Purdue and scenarios that are not appropriate for individuals to contribute in a volunteer role.

Faculty & Staff Proactive Checklist

[ ] Refer early: Direct students to ISS the moment they are in danger of failing to make normal academic progress or mention changing their major, research focus, or graduation term.
[ ] Respect the application timeline: Complete the Academic Advisor Recommendation form promptly to give ISS sufficient processing time.
[ ] Check before enrolling: Do not authorize an official academic major or program change with the Office of the Registrar until the student has received formal written clearance from ISS.
[ ] Enforce the work rule: Ensure no international student begins assisting your department, lab, or project until their active work authorization dates are completely approved. Don’t invite or allow students to volunteer until/unless the opportunity has been properly vetted by ISS, HR and the Policy office.

Group 6: International J-1 Scholars (J-1 Visa Holders with DS-2019s indicating Specialist, Short-Term Scholar, Research Scholar, Specialist or “Student Intern”

The Fixed Period of Admission rule also impacts J-1 scholars – namely, J visa holders whose DS-2019s indicate a category of program other than “student”. Purdue’s J scholars include Short-Term Scholars, “Student Interns” (note – this is not the same as a ‘student’), Specialists, Research Scholars, and Professors.

Q: I have “D/S” on my I-94 arrival record. How will the new rule impact my stay at Purdue?

A: The potential impact depends on a combination of the Box 4 category on your DS-2019 and your specific situation.

Despite having “D/S” on your I-94, the new rule will create practical limits to your stay in the United States. You may engage in your professional activities in the U.S. for the shorter of:

The Box 3 end date of the DS-2019 in effect on September 15 (which is based, in turn, on the invitation or offer extended to you by Purdue), OR
The maximum duration of your Box 4 category
- J-1 short-term scholar: Six (6) months from the Box 3 start date on the DS-2019
- J-1 “student intern” (visiting undergraduate student): Twelve (12) months from the Box 3 start date on the DS-2019
- Research scholar or professor: Four (4) years from the Box 3 start date on the DS-2019. (Note: extension of your stay for a 5th year is possible but requires submission of a Form I-539 to USCIS, as outlined below.)

Q: I will enter (or re-enter following travel abroad) into the United States on or after September 15, 2026. How will the new rule impact my stay at Purdue?

A: The potential impact depends on a combination of the Box 4 category on your DS-2019 and your specific situation.

After September 15, 2026, you may engage in your professional activities in the USA for the shorter of:

The Box 3 end date of the DS-2019 in effect on September 15 (which is based, in turn, on the invitation or offer extended to you by Purdue), OR
The maximum duration of your Box 4 category
- J-1 short-term scholar: Six (6) months from the Box 3 start date on the DS-2019
- J-1 “student intern” (visiting undergraduate student): Twelve (12) months from the Box 3 start date on the DS-2019
- Research scholar or professor: Four (4) years from the Box 3 start date on the DS-2019. (Note: extension of your stay for a 5th year is possible but requires submission of a Form I-539 to USCIS, as outlined below.)

Q: What should I do immediately after reentering the U.S.?

Q: Does my grace period change?

A: No.

In addition to the time during which you can engage in your professional activities, as outlined above, all J-1 scholars (and their J-2 dependents) receive a 30-day grace period.

Day 1 of this grace period begins the day after the Box 3 End Date on your DS-2019; the grace period ends at midnight on Day 30.

The grace period is intended to facilitate winding up your stay and sightseeing prior to departing for your home country. Professional activities (regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid) are not permitted during the grace period.

Q: I want to extend my DS-2019 before this rule takes effect, just in case. How do I request this?

A: The process by which J-1 scholarsmay extend their DS-2019 before the rule takes effect will depend on the scholar’s situation at Purdue.

The host academic unit (not the scholar) must submit a fully completed, signed intake request to International Scholar Services for extension of the Form DS-2019. Please see our website for instructions about how to submit requests. Note that:
- International Scholar Services will waive the ISS Fee normally required for extensions.
- Purdue policy limits the total duration of certain appointment categories. Extensions beyond policy limits are not permitted.
- All J extensions must be accompanied by documentation of health insurance for the requested extension or 12 months, whichever is shorter.
If the request is approved, our office will issue a new Form DS-2019 with updated Box 3 end date for the scholar’s program activities.

Q: May I request an extension of my DS-2019 before September 15, even if my host/hiring department does not want to support this?

A: Maybe. Depending on the specific situation of the scholar and host/hiring unit, it might be possible for the scholar to convert to a self-funded visiting appointment for a pre-set, temporary period. Please reach out to intlscholars@purdue.edu to discuss. Note, though, that even in this circumstance, evidence of health insurance for the entire requested period of extension will be needed, as this is a regulatory requirement that cannot be waived.

Q: How will I extend my stay in the United States after September 15, 2026?

A: J-1 scholars who want to remain engaged in professional activities in the U.S. after the end date on the Form DS-2019 in effect on September 15, 2026, must follow these steps to extend both their DS-2019and U.S. stays:

The host academic unit (not the scholar) must submit a fully completed, signed intake request to International Scholar Services for extension of the Form DS-2019. Please see our website for instructions about how to submit requests. Note that:
- Purdue policy limits the total duration of certain appointment categories. Extensions beyond policy limits are not permitted.
- All J extensions must be accompanied by documentation of health insurance for the requested extension or twelve months, whichever is shorter.
If the request is approved, our office will issue a new Form DS-2019 with an updated Box 3 end date for the scholar’s program activities.
The scholar must submit a Form I-539 application accompanied by the new DS-2019 to the USCIS to requesting the extension of their period of admission.
If the application for extension is timely received by USCIS, the scholar is authorized to continue participating in the J-1 program activities.
- If the timely filed I-539 is received by USCIS on or before March 18, 2027, the scholar may continue to engage in their activities until the new end date of the DS-2019.
- After this 6-month transition period, timely filed I-539s authorize scholars to continue engaging in program activities for up to 240 days while the application is pending.

Q: How will I transfer to anotherinstitutionafter this new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026?

A: There are twopossible circumstances in which a scholar transfer might be desired:

Transfers to another U.S. institution with accompanying an extension of the DS-2019 Box 3 end date.
- These situations may require both issuance of a new DS-2019 and submission of a Form I-539 to the USCIS. The exact mechanism for how this might occur is not clear within the rule. Further clarification will likely be available when the government’s SEVIS system is updated.
Transfers to another U.S. institution during the Box 3 start and end dates that are already listed on your DS-2019. (In other words, transfers where an extension of your DS-2019 is not also required).
- These situations may only require issuance of a new DS-2019 by the new, receiving host institution. However, the exact mechanism for how transfers will occur for scholars is not clear within the rule. Further clarification likely will be available when the government’s SEVIS system is updated.

Note: the rules and procedures for scholar program transfers are completely different from those for student programs. Scholars have Box 4 categories on their DS-2019 of Short-Term Scholar, Research Scholar, Professor, Specialist or “Student Intern”.

Additional resources

Study in the States: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure

The information provided on this webpage is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.