Why International Students Are Being Advised to Return to the U.S. Before September 15
International students studying in the United States are being advised by several universities to carefully review their travel plans before September 15, 2026, when a new Department of Homeland Security rule takes effect.
The rule will replace the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) system with fixed periods of admission for F and J nonimmigrants.
Why are universities giving this advice?
The change is particularly important for students and scholars who are currently outside the United States or who are planning international travel.
Harvard University has advised members of its international community to consider being back in the United States before September 15. Columbia University has issued similar guidance and recommends that students return before the start of classes on September 8.
The reason is that entering or re-entering the United States after the new rule takes effect may place a student under the new admission framework.
Does this mean every international student must return before September 15?
No.
Students should not interpret university travel guidance as a requirement that every F-1 or J-1 student must return before the deadline.
The effect of travel can depend on the student's individual circumstances, immigration documents, program status, and timing.
Students who are considering international travel should therefore speak with their university's international student office before making travel arrangements.
What changes after September 15?
Under the new system, F-1 and J-1 students entering or re-entering the United States will generally receive a fixed period of admission rather than being admitted for Duration of Status.
Students may therefore need to pay closer attention to their Form I-94, program end date, and any future extension requirements.
The new rule also reduces the standard post-completion departure period for F-1 students from 60 days to 30 days.
What should international students do now?
Before traveling internationally, students should:
Check their passport and visa validity.
Review their Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Check their current Form I-94.
Confirm their enrollment and program dates.
Contact their university's international student office.
Ask how returning after September 15 could affect their individual situation.
Avoid relying solely on information from social media.
Students who are already outside the United States should contact their university's international office as soon as possible for guidance specific to their circumstances.
The important takeaway
September 15 does not mean that international students who are currently in the United States automatically have to leave.
Instead, the date marks an important change in the U.S. admission system for F and J nonimmigrants.
Because universities are still developing guidance on how the new rule will work in individual situations, students should obtain advice directly from their university before making major travel or immigration decisions. Columbia University, for example, says its guidance will continue to be updated as it reviews the rule and its implications.
Important
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. International students should consult their university's international student office or a qualified U.S. immigration attorney regarding their individual circumstances.
Official and university sources
U.S. Department of Homeland Security — Study in the States:
Final Rule: Fixed Time Period of Admission
Federal Register — Final Rule:
Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission
Columbia University International Students and Scholars Office:
Understanding the Fixed Time Period of Admission Rule
