Duration of Status
Elimination of Duration of Status
On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security issued a Final Rule to replace Duration of Status (D/S) admission for F-1 academic students with a fixed period of admission. Instead of remaining in the United States for as long as F-1 status is maintained, students will be granted admission for a specific period tied to their academic program and noted in their immigration record.
Final Rule effective date postponed
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued an order postponing the effective date of the Department of Homeland Security's Final Rule that was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. The court granted relief under Section 705 of the Administrative Procedure Act, which allows a federal court to postpone the effective date of an agency action when the legal challenge is reviewed.
What this means for Trine University students
The Department of Homeland Security's Final Rule will not take effect on September 15, 2026, as previously scheduled. At this time:
- The existing F-1 D/S framework remains in effect.
- Trine University will continue following the current F-1 regulations and SEVIS procedures.
- The new restrictions and procedures contained in the Department of Homeland Security's Final Rule should not be followed at this time.
- Students do not need to take action solely because of the previously scheduled September 15, 2026, effective date.
- Student requests related to SEVIS transfers, change of program, starting a new degree program and practical training will continue to be processed under the existing regulations.
Has the Final Rule been canceled?
No, the Department of Homeland Security's Final Rule has not been canceled. The court has postponed the effective date of the Final Rule while litigation continues. The rule has not been permanently withdrawn or invalidated. The court denied other requested relief without prejudice, meaning additional proceedings may occur. The Department of Homeland Security may also seek further review of the court's decision.
What happens next?
Trine University's Office of International Services will continue monitoring:
- The ongoing federal court case;
- Any appeal or request for a stay filed by the Department of Homeland Security;
- Additional court orders; and
- Guidance issued by the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, SEVP, USCIS or other federal agencies.
If there is a future development that changes how the Final Rule affects Trine University students, this page will be updated and students will be notified.
Additional resources
Learn more about what the Department of Homeland Security's final ruling means for F-1 students studying in the United States using the links below.
This page will continue to be updated as new information becomes available. This page was last updated on September 15, 2026.