| UPDATED JULY 22, 2026 |
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Office of Global Engagement
International Student and Scholar Services
Final Rule on Fixed Time Periods of Admission: Summary
This page contains a summary of the final rule eliminating "Duration of Status" and establishing a "Fixed Time Period of Admission" for F and J students and scholars.
Final Rule on Fixed Time Periods: Summary of Major Changes
Introduction
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on July 17, 2026 that introduces many changes to F and J visa regulations, including “fixed time periods” of admission.
- The new rule does not go into effect until September 15, 2026. Existing regulations under “duration of status” apply until then, so the rule will not affect the ability of international students and scholars to come or return to Brown for the Fall 2026 semester.
- Anyone entering on or after September 15 can still enter the U.S. as usual, but will be admitted under the new fixed time period regulations described below.
To provide community members with a detailed sense of the new regulations, we have developed two summary pages: one for F-1 students and their dependents, and the other for J-1 exchange visitors (students and scholars) and their dependents. Click on the appropriate link below to access the page applicable to you.