Rule that would change F-1 student status is blocked by a federal judge
What happened?
A new rule from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that would change how international students’ period of stay is determined was blocked by federal judge F. Dennis Saylor IV of the Massachusetts court on September 14, 2026. The rule had been scheduled to take effect on September 15.
What would the new rule change?
In July, DHS published a regulation that would replace the system known as Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed periods of admission. For F-1 students, the proposal set a limited period of stay, generally up to four years or the time needed to complete the program, according to the terms of the regulation.
What happened next?
On September 14, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a preliminary measure that prevents DHS from implementing the new rule while the court case continues. As a result, the rule did not take effect on September 15 as planned.
What does this mean for F-1 students?
For now, the current system remains in place. F-1 students continue under Duration of Status, as long as they maintain their immigration status and meet program requirements. The new requirement to apply for an extension of stay created by the blocked regulation is not in effect at this time.
Has the rule been canceled for good?
Not necessarily. The court decision blocks implementation of the rule for now, but the case is still ongoing. Further court decisions or appeals could change the picture. For that reason, international students should keep following official updates and guidance from their Designated School Official (DSO).
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This content is informational and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
Reference sources
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Federal Register — 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”.
- U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts — decision of September 14, 2026.
- Yale Office of International Students & Scholars — update on the court decision and Duration of Status.
- Brown University International Student & Scholar Services — update on the suspension of the rule’s implementation.