Currently, most F-1 students are admitted to the United States under Duration of Status (D/S). This allows students to remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain their F-1 status and continue making normal academic progress.

Beginning September 15, 2026, eligible students entering the United States will generally receive an I-94 with a specific expiration date instead of "D/S."

If you need additional time beyond the expiration date on your I-94 to complete your academic program or continue eligible F-1 benefits, you may need to work with both ISS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized stay expires.

It depends on your situation.

If you are already in the United States in valid F-1 status and remain in the country, transition provisions may allow you to continue under the current D/S system for a period of time.

However, if you leave the United States and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026, you will generally be admitted under the new fixed-date admission system.

Because every student's situation is different, ISS encourages students to contact our office before making international travel plans. ISS will support you in determing when an extension is reuiqred. 

The I-94 is your official arrival record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection each time you enter the United States.

Under the new rule, your I-94 expiration date determines how long you are authorized to remain in the United States.

After every international trip, students should:

• Download a copy of their new I-94.
• Verify that they were admitted in F-1 status.
• Review the expiration date on the I-94.
• Contact ISS immediately if any information appears incorrect. 

Yes.

The Final Rule does not prevent students from completing their academic program at Columbus State.

However, students are expected to make normal academic progress toward completing their degree.

Students should:

• Register for required courses each semester.
• Meet regularly with their academic advisor.
• Consider summer enrollment when appropriate.
• Avoid unnecessary delays to graduation.
• If you believe you may need additional time to complete your degree, contact ISS as early as possible.

Columbus State currently issues Forms I-20 based on the expected completion time for our associate degree programs.

If you need additional time to complete your degree, you should contact ISS before your current documents expire.

Depending on your individual circumstances and the new federal regulations, additional USCIS approval may be required before you can remain in the United States beyond the expiration of your authorized stay.

ISS will explain the available process based on current government guidance. Final decisions regarding immigration benefits are made by USCIS.

The Final Rule includes new requirements that may affect school transfers.

Students planning to transfer to another college or university should contact ISS as early as possible before beginning the transfer process.

Additional USCIS review may be required in some situations under the new regulations.

Because federal implementation guidance is still being released, transfer procedures may continue to evolve.

The Final Rule includes new restrictions regarding changes to a student's educational objective.

Students considering changing majors or academic programs should first discuss their plans with both their academic advisor and ISS.

Changing programs without proper planning could affect your ability to complete your degree within your authorized stay.

Eligible F-1 students may continue to apply for 12-month Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their degree at Columbus State Community College.

At Columbus State, Post-Completion OPT is generally available only to students who complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree with a declared specialization recognized as a degree program for F-1 purposes. Students who are unsure whether their program qualifies for OPT should contact ISS before graduation.

Under the Final Rule, however, maintaining your lawful F-1 status during the OPT application process may require an additional step.

Because your authorized stay may now be tied to the expiration date on your Form I-94, filing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) alone may not be enough to maintain your lawful F-1 status if your I-94 expires while your OPT application is pending.

Under the new regulations, students may also need to file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request an extension of their authorized stay while their OPT application is being processed. 

The U.S. government has established a temporary six-month transition period following the September 15, 2026 effective date. During this transition period, eligible students applying for Post-Completion OPT may continue to apply without submitting Form I-539. 

Students who submit a Post-Completion OPT application on or after March 18, 2027, will generally be required to file both Form I-765 (OPT Application) and Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS.

ISS will publish updated OPT application instructions, filing checklists, and step-by-step guidance well before these new filing requirements take effect.

Students planning to apply for Post-Completion OPT are strongly encouraged to meet with ISS early during their final semester. Early planning will help ensure you understand the most current USCIS requirements, filing timelines, and any additional documentation needed to maintain your F-1 status throughout the OPT application process.

Important: Final decisions regarding OPT and Extension of Stay applications are made by USCIS. International Student Services provides guidance based on current federal regulations but cannot guarantee the approval of any immigration application.

Students admitted under the new rule may receive a 30-day grace period following completion of their academic program instead of the current 60-day grace period.

Students should not rely on the grace period to make important immigration decisions and should begin planning well before graduation.

ISS recommends that all F-1 students:

• Monitor your Columbus State email regularly.
• Register for classes as early as possible each semester.
• Meet with your academic advisor to stay on track for graduation.
• Keep your passport valid at all times.
• Review your I-94 after every entry into the United States.
• Contact ISS before making international travel plans, transferring schools, changing your academic program, or applying for OPT. 
   

ISS is committed to helping students understand these new regulations.

ISS can:

• Explain current immigration requirements.
• Help you understand how the new regulations may affect your situation.
• Issue updated Forms I-20 when appropriate.
• Provide guidance on immigration procedures based on current federal regulations.
• Refer students to additional resources when appropriate. 

ISS cannot:

• Provide legal advice.
• Guarantee approval of any USCIS application.
• Predict future government decisions or processing times. 

Maintaining lawful F-1 status is ultimately the responsibility of each student.

ISS will continue updating this webpage as DHS, USCIS, and SEVP publish additional implementation guidance.

If you have questions about your individual situation, please contact ISS.