As we prepare for the U.S. government's implementation of the new regulations announced its final rule of July 17, 2026, ISSS is recommending the following  steps for all of our students and scholars. Please note the action items include general steps for all students and scholars, and certain priority action steps for persons in specific situations. The information on this page will continue to be updated as we get additional information.

General Steps for All Students and Scholars

• Read through the information on this site, and check back regularly for updates
• Review the ISSS Resources page for upcoming webinars and advising resources
• Read email announcements from ISSS - we will continue to update the community as implementation of the final rule proceeds
• Take time to review your I-94 arrival record, and view ISSS's pre-recorded I-94 mini-workshop (available mid-August)

Students and Scholars Completing and Departing By Fall 2026

• No action is needed if you are completing your program and departing the U.S. by the effective date of September 15, 2026. You continue to have the standard 60 day grace period (F-1 students) or 30 day grace period (J-1 exchange visitors).
• However, please contact ISSS if you are departing the U.S. more than 15 days before the expiration of your I-20 or DS-2019; or you are departing due to a leave of absence and have not yet discussed this with an ISSS advisor.

Students Transferring to Brown / Changing Educational Levels for Fall 2026

• ISSS plans to complete the transfer process for F-1 students coming to Brown from another U.S. institution before September 15, 2026. If you plan to attend Brown this fall, but have not yet initiated a transfer of your F-1 SEVIS record to Brown, please talk to your current institution's international office and to your ISSS advisor regarding the transfer process.
• ISSS also plans to finalize the change of educational level process for F-1 students who are advancing to a higher degree level before September 15, 2026. If you are starting a new program at Brown at a higher educational level (e.g., master's to PhD), but have not yet received your change of educational level I-20, please contact your ISSS advisor.

Students Planning to Apply for OPT or STEM Extension OPT based on Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 dates

• The final rule will require students applying for OPT benefits to concurrently file a Form I-539 application for an extension of status. (Please read our FAQ page and our Final Rule Summary page for more details.) 
• However, the I-539 requirement will be waived for certain F-1 students applying for an OPT benefit before March 18, 2027. To qualify for this exemption, the student (1) must be eligible for the OPT / STEM Extension benefit; (2) must be physically present in the U.S. in F-1 status for “duration of status” (D/S) by September 15, 2026; and (3) must remain in the U.S. - no international departure - at least through the time they file their application for OPT.
• Accordingly, who are considering applying for OPT or STEM Extension OPT in either late Fall or early Spring 2026 are advised to be physically present in the U.S. in F-1 status under “duration of status,” which means arriving no later than September 14, 2027.

Students and Scholars with Program Expiration Dates between September 15, 2026 - May 31, 2027

• Students and scholars whose I-20 or DS-2019 documents expiring within the next academic year should review whether they will be able to complete their programs, or will need an I-20 or DS-2019 extension, by their current I-20 or DS-2019 program end date.
• If you have compelling reasons indicating the need for an extension, review the appropriate F-1 extension or J-1 extension procedures for students. Scholars should contact their department and the ISSS Assistant Director for Scholar Services regarding their extension questions.

Students and Scholars Planning to Change Majors, Transfer to Other Schools, or Start New Academic Programs After September 15, 2026

• F-1 students planning to start new programs or change their majors should read through the final rule's restrictions on changes to academic programs, transfers, and limits on new degree program eligibility. Please keep in mind that these regulations may be delayed beyond September 15, 2026; however, if they are implemented, certain types of academic progressions may be restricted.
• ISSS is continuing to monitor the implementation of these regulations and will continue to update this web site and other resources as more information becomes available.