Latest Updates
- Preliminary Injunction Blocks D/S Rule Implementation For Now. On September 14, 2026, a federal district court in Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction postponing implementation of the DHS final rule that was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026 and replace duration of status (D/S) with fixed periods of admission for F, J, and I nonimmigrants. The injunction postpones implementation during the litigation, “pending further order of this court or resolution of this proceeding on the merits.” As a result, the existing D/S regulatory framework remains in effect and continues to govern all aspects of F and J practice. The final rule’s fixed-date admission system, related extension-of-stay requirements, transition provisions, shortened grace periods and OPT filing periods, and restrictions on academic mobility therefore do not become operative on September 15. Because the court enjoined implementation before the final rule took effect, the existing D/S regulations did not need to be reinstated or revived; they simply remain the operative regulations unless and until the court or subsequent appeals permit the final rule to take effect. See NAFSA's page.
- SEVIS Release Notice Describes Forthcoming D/S Rule Functionalities. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is in the process of updating the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to implement changes called for by the final DHS rule eliminating duration of status (D/S). On August 31, 2026, SEVP posted materials on its plans for SEVIS Release 6.89.1 to go into effect on in conjunction with the final rule effective date, to include changes like separate F-1 functionalities for recommending a program extension (i.e., extension of the program end date) and recommending an extension of stay (EOS) in cases where an I-539 will be needed to extend the student's AUD to cover the period of program extension. The EOS recommendation would also be used for other actions that result in an extended program end date, such as transfer-in I-20s, reinstatements, moving levels, etc. when those actions also require an EOS. See NAFSA's page.
- SEVP Updates Its D/S Rule FAQs. On August 31, 2026 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its set of "duration of status" (D/S) rule FAQs. The updates are clarifying updates and do not appear to introduce any surprises. They also incorporate some procedural aspects in line with the expected SEVIS release that will happen on September 14 at 8 pm to be ready on September 15. See NAFSA's page.
- Syria Removed from List of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio removed Syria from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism effective August 24, 2026, in response to Executive Order 14312 of June 30, 2025, Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions, which instructed the Secretary to “take all appropriate action to review the designation of Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.” The country had been on the state sponsor of terrorism list since December 29, 1979. Three countries now remain on the list: Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. See NAFSA's page.
- DHS Advances Proposed Rulemaking on H-1B Reform. On August 24, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submitted an H-1B specialty worker-related proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review. Titled Reforming the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program, the package abstract included in the 2026 regulatory agenda says: "DHS proposes to reform the H-1B program by revising eligibility for cap exemptions, providing greater scrutiny for employers that have violated program requirements, and increasing oversight over third party placements, among other provisions. These changes are intended to improve the integrity of the H-1B nonimmigrant program and better protect U.S. workers’ wages and working conditions." See NAFSA's page.
- DHS Advances Proposed Rulemaking on OPT Fees. On August 20, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) submitted a proposed rule package for OMB/OIRA review titled, Optional Practical Training Fees. This rule making was not included in the most recent Regulatory Agenda, and DHS included no other information regarding the package. However, media outlets had earlier reported that DHS may be planning to charge an exorbitant fee ($100,000) for filing an application for F-1 optional practical training (OPT), a staple of the F-1 student nonimmigrant category that allows students who complete a course of study to engage in one to three years of employment in their major field of study following their programs. See NAFSA's page.
- Suit Challenging Elimination of Duration of Status Rule Filed in Federal Court. On August 18, 2026 NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Graduate Labor Organization, AFT Local 6516 (GLO), International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), United Auto Workers Local 2322, and the NewsGuild-CWA filed a complaint and a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) final rule ending the Duration of Status (D/S) framework for international students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign media. See NAFSA's and the Presidents' Alliance joint press release and NAFSA's litigation update page.
- DHS Final Rule Eliminating Duration of Status for F and J Nonimmigrants Becomes Effective September 15, 2026. On July 17, 2026 DHS published its final rule to end "duration of status" (D/S) for F, J, and I nonimmigrants in favor of a fixed admission period. The rule will become effective on September 15, 2026. Until then, the current regulations will continue to fully govern all aspects of F and J practice. Consult NAFSA's page for links and analysis of the final rule, which we will update as insight and understanding progress.
- Agencies Publish 2026 Regulatory Agenda. The 2026 regulatory agenda was posted on Reginfo.gov in July, 2026. Among other items, F-1 practical training is still on the agenda, as well as several employment-based packages relating to prevailing wages, PERM, and H-1B reform. See NAFSA's page.
NAFSA Statements and Commentary
NAFSA and Presidents' Alliance Lead a Lawsuit Challenging the End of D/S
The complaint argues that DHS failed to adequately assess its costs and benefits, meaningfully respond to public comments, consider less burdensome alternatives, or justify the rule based on its stated objectives.
Fall 2026 International Enrollment Outlook & Economic Impact
Preliminary analysis by NAFSA and JB International indicates a projected decline in international student enrollment for Fall 2026, with cascading negative effects on U.S. economic contribution and jobs supported.
NAFSA Responds to DHS' Final Rule Ending Duration of Status
Ending Duration of Status and imposing new limits on academic flow and educational mobility on international students and exchange visitors 'misguided and unnecessary', according to NAFSA executive director and CEO, Fanta Aw.
Related Resources
2026 Policy Digest
A chronological compilation of U.S. government policy and regulatory developments and related advocacy activities, updated on a monthly basis.
Connecting Our World
Connecting Our World is NAFSA's weekly newsletter that distills the top policy and regulatory developments affecting international education and identifies how members of the field can use their voice to take action in simple but meaningful ways.
Helpful Resources
Helpful resources from NAFSA and others on initiatives under the Second Trump Administration