Immigration in Focus Episode 3: The End of "Duration of Status"—What Every International Student Needs to Know Before September 15, 2026

In this episode of Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila, we discuss the Department of Homeland Security's new Final Rule that replaces the long-standing "Duration of Status" admission for many F-1 international students with a fixed period of admission beginning September 15, 2026. I explain what the rule changes, who is affected, why DHS adopted the new policy, and the practical steps students should take to remain in compliance, including monitoring I-94 expiration dates, working closely with their Designated School Official (DSO), maintaining full-time enrollment, planning ahead for Optional Practical Training (OPT), and requesting extensions of stay when necessary. Whether you are a current international student, a prospective student, or the parent of a student studying in the United States, this episode provides essential information to help you understand the new requirements and avoid immigration status problems.