US Universities Advise International Students as D/S System Ends on September 15

International students in the United States, including those from Hyderabad, are being advised by their universities to review their academic plans and immigration documents before a new rule ending the Duration of Status system takes effect on September 15. Several American universities have issued guidance outlining major shifts in how long students can remain in the country and what administrative changes will be permitted.

Under the forthcoming changes, universities have informed students that no programme changes will be permitted after September 15. Institutions have urged scholars to track their programme end dates carefully and recommended submitting an early Extension of Stay application if additional time will be required to finish their coursework.

The updated regulations introduce tighter academic conditions for both undergraduate and postgraduate scholars. Undergraduate students will generally be barred from changing their major or educational objective during their first academic year, while graduate students will face stricter rules regarding programme and major adjustments. Additionally, scholars completing a degree will only be permitted to advance to a higher degree level, ending the practice of enrolling in another programme at the same or a lower level.

Universities pointed out that the end date listed on the Form I-20 will become central to determining how long an individual may legally stay in the US. The long-standing Duration of Status framework previously allowed F-1 visa holders to stay as long as they maintained lawful status and made normal progress, with their I-94 forms marked "D/S" and granting a 60-day grace period after finishing studies or practical training.

Beginning September 15, the D/S model will be replaced by a fixed Admit Until Date. For new entries, the permitted stay will generally be restricted to the programme length specified on the I-20 or a maximum of four years, whichever is shorter, alongside a reduced 30-day grace period.

Universities have also cautioned students currently admitted under D/S about international travel. Any student holding D/S status who leaves the US and returns on or after September 15 will be issued a date-specific I-94 upon re-entry, superseding their prior status. Those remaining in the US on September 15 are covered by transition provisions allowing them to stay until their I-20 end date with the 60-day grace period intact, provided they maintain legal status and avoid international travel.