The general rule is that your length of stay will be based on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 end date, or four years, whichever is shorter. You will also get a “grace period” of 30 days.

For example, if your I-20 was issued for a two-year program from September 1, 2026 - May 31, 2028, 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. 

However, if your I-20 was issued for five years, from September 1, 2026 - May 31, 2031, your I-94 will be limited to four years (plus 30 days), ending around June 30, 2030. You would need to contact ISSS in early 2030 to learn more about how to extend your time so that you can complete the remainder of your program.

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 your I-94 ‘admit until’ date is going to expire, and you need the additional time to complete your program.

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. 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.