[Oacrao-l] Update to Federal Immigration Rules

[Beauchamp, Stephanie]

Colleagues,

We are sharing information about a significant federal immigration rule change that will affect international students and scholars at Oklahoma institutions of higher education.

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule eliminating the longstanding "duration of status" framework for F-1 and J-1 visa holders and replacing it with fixed admission periods of up to four years. The rule takes effect September 15, 2026.

Key provisions your international student advisors and designated school officials should be aware of:

  *
Students and scholars who need more time beyond four years must file an Extension of Stay application directly with USCIS, including biometrics and proof of financial support.
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The post-program departure grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
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Graduate-level F-1 students are prohibited from changing their program of study at any point. Undergraduates face similar restrictions during their first academic year.
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Unlawful presence begins accruing the day after the fixed admission period ends without a timely filed extension, a significant change from the prior framework.
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Transition provisions allow students already in the U.S. in valid status on September 15 to remain through their current program end date or up to four additional years, whichever comes first. This protection does not apply to students who are outside the U.S. when the rule takes effect.

Please consider sharing the following resources with international advising staff if you find them helpful:

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DHS Quick Facts (official summary of the rule)
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/elimination-of-duration-of-status-quick-facts
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DHS Press Release
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/07/16/trump-administration-issues-final-rule-end-foreign-student-visa-abuse
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Ogletree Deakins Legal Summary (additional operational guidance)
https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/dhs-publishes-final-rule-replacing-duration-of-status-with-fixed-admission-periods-for-f-j-and-i-nonimmigrants/
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Ogletree Deakins Free Webinar — "The End of Duration of Status: Navigating DHS's Fixed Admission Period Rule"
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/webinars/2026-07-22/the-end-of-duration-of-status-navigating-dhss-fixed-admission-period-rule/

We're sending these resources for informational purposes only. Please confer with your legal counsel on specific immigration related matters.

We recommend that DSOs and international student advising staff monitor official DHS resources, including the Study in the States website, for primary guidance. Third-party materials may provide additional context as implementation guidance and related legal developments emerge.

Respecfully,
Julie Dinger, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Parkway
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Office: 405.225.9145 | jdinger at osrhe.edu | www.okhighered.org<http://www.okhighered.org/>



Stephanie Beauchamp, Ed.D.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

655 Research Parkway, Suite 200

Oklahoma City, OK 73104-3603

•405.225.9399 | •sbeauchamp at osrhe.edu<mailto:sbeauchamp at osrhe.edu>



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