Alert and FAQs: Publishing final rule eliminating duration of status for students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status
ISSS is aware that on July 17, 2026, the federal government intends to publish changes to the regulations governing F-1 and J-1 immigration (visa) status. ISSS is currently reviewing the rule in detail to fully understand the potential changes and their implications for the campus community.  Ìý
Our team is carefully evaluating this information to ensure that any guidance we provide is accurate, clear, and helpful. We will share additional information, including a Q&A and next steps, as soon as possible. Ìý
ISSS recognizes that these changes are significant and may impact your status. For that reason, we strongly encourage you to monitor your email and the ISSS website regularly for updates. Ìý
We also understand that immigration policy changes can cause stress and uncertainty. Please know that ISSS is here to support you and will continue to share information. In the meantime, we encourage you to take advantage of the on-campus support resources if needed. Ìý
- ³§³Ù³Ü»å±ð²Ô³Ù²õ: Counseling and Psychiatric Services  (CAPS) is available if you would like to talk with someone about feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness, or simply to have a supportive conversation. Ìý
- Faculty and Staff: The Faculty & Staff Assistance Program offers confidential support and counseling. You may reach out to schedule a time to speak with a trained counselor. Ìý
ISSS appreciates your understanding and patience as we work to provide you with clear and accurate information in a timely manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a final rule affecting regulations governing individuals in F and J immigration status. CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is reviewing the rule, in coordination with University Counsel and campus partners, to understand its implications for our international students and scholars. Because the regulation is extensive, this analysis will take time to complete. However, the announcement by DHS stated that the rule will eliminate "Duration of Status," a policy allowing international students and scholars in F and J status to remain in the U.S. until they've completed the objectives of their academic or exchange visitor program. The policy will be replaced by a new rule that limits F and J status holders (students and scholars) to a four year admission period, and requires those status holders to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay if they wish to stay beyond their original period of admission.Ìý
The rule applies to individuals in F and J immigration status. This may include international students and scholars and other individuals in these visa categories. Because the university’s review is ongoing, ISSS will provide additional information about potential impacts as soon as guidance is available.
The rule applies specifically to individuals in F and J immigration status. The potential impact will depend on an individual’s specific immigration status and circumstances. Students and scholars should monitor communications from ISSS for updates and guidance.Ìý
Analysis from , states that 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.
At this time, ISSS is reviewing the final rule and is not yet able to provide individual guidance about how it may affect specific individuals. Students and scholars should continue to follow their current immigration requirements and monitor the ISSS Immigration Alerts & FAQs page and university email for updates.Ìý
The final rule is a significant federal regulation that requires careful review to understand its impacts. The university’s priority is providing timely and accurate information rather than sharing premature guidance. Ìý
ISSS is working diligently to review the rule and develop additional guidance, including FAQs and next steps which will be shared through the ISSS Immigration Alerts & FAQs page as soon as the university’s review is complete.Ìý
ISSS Immigration Alerts & FAQs page is the university’s central source for updates related to federal immigration actions affecting international students and scholars. Students and scholars should also monitor their university email for additional communications from ISSS.Ìý
Faculty and staff should refer immigration-related questions to ISSS rather than offering individual interpretations of the rule. Because the university’s review is ongoing, directing questions to ISSS will help ensure students and scholars receive accurate and consistent information. Faculty and staff can email: isss@colorado.edu with additional questions.
At this time, the university has not announced any changes to enrollment, employment, research or campus operations. ISSS is reviewing the rule to determine whether any changes or additional guidance are needed and will communicate updates as information becomes available.Ìý
The university recognizes that immigration policy changes can create uncertainty and stress for members of our community. ISSS remains available to support international students and scholars with immigration-related questions. Students may also access support through Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). Faculty and staff may access support through the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program.Ìý