The fixed admission rule, as it applies to F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, will follow this general formula:

Your legal stay will be based on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 program end date, or four years, whichever is earlier. You will also be given a “grace period” of 30 days (for both F and J visa holders).

Example 1: You are an F-1 student and your I-20 was issued for a two-year program from September 1, 2026 - May 31, 2028. When you enter the U.S., your I-94 will fix your legal stay to May 31, 2028 plus 30 days, or June 30, 2028. That would be your deadline to depart the U.S. or to apply for an extension of stay.

Example 2: You are a J-1 student and your DS-2019 was issued for five years, from September 1, 2026 - May 31, 2031. When you enter the U.S., I-94 will fix your stay to four years ending around August 31, 2030. You would need to contact ISSS no later than early 2030 to talk about extension options, if you need more time after that.

Please keep in mind that each time you enter the U.S., you will receive a new Form I-94. You should check your I-94 after each arrival, since it can change.

While F-1 and J-1 visa holders will be restricted to stays that cannot be longer than four years at any given time, this does not mean that you must finish your program in four years. The fixed admission system requires you, however, to take action to extend your stay if you are nearing the expiration of your period of stay (as indicated on your I-94).

These actions could include: (1) filing a Form I-539 application to extend your stay, at least six months before your current I-94 expires; or (2) departing the U.S. before your I-94 expires, and re-entering with your current or updated I-20 or DS-2019. Upon re-entry you would receive a new I-94 granting you additional time. 

The optimal path will depend on the individual student or scholar, and will require consultation with ISSS in advance.

No, you would not need to leave.

If you are in the United States on the day the rule becomes effective, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. and continue your degree or program objectives up through the program end date on your current I-20 or DS-2019 form, or four years, whichever comes first. You would also have a grace period of 60 days (for F-1 students) or 30 days (for J-1 exchange visitors). If you plan to stay in the U.S. after your I-20 or DS-2019 expires, however, you will need to plan on applying for an extension of stay with USCIS. Talk to your ISSS advisor to map out your longer-term plans.

Your I-94 arrival record - also sometimes called your I-94 admission record - is your legal evidence that you are in the U.S. in lawful status. The I-94 indicates critical information, including your classification (e.g., F-1, J-1, etc.) and your “admit until” date, which is the length of time you are allowed to stay in the U.S.

Under fixed admission, all F and J nonimmigrants will be admitted into the U.S. with a specific “admit until” date - e.g., “30 June 2028” - instead of “D/S,” which stands for duration of status. The specific end date is a hard deadline for leaving the U.S. or applying for an extension of stay with the U.S. government. The extension of stay process will vary depending on the reason why you need more time.

It will be up to you to check your I-94 information after EACH arrival in the U.S., and taking note of the deadline that applies to you. Contact ISSS no later than six months before your I-94 expires so that you can plan your next steps. Also, be sure to carry a copy of your I-94 with you at all times while inside the U.S.