The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently finalized changes to federal immigration regulations affecting F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors. The new rule, which takes effect September 15, 2026, replaces the longstanding "Duration of Status" framework with a fixed period of authorized stay and establishes new requirements for students who need additional time to complete their academic programs.
These changes may affect how some international students plan their academic progress, maintain their immigration status, and request additional time to remain in the United States.
What Is Changing?
Under the longstanding Duration of Status framework, eligible F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors have generally been permitted to remain in the United States for the duration of their authorized academic program or exchange activity, provided they continue to maintain their immigration status.
Beginning September 15, the new federal regulations replace this framework with a fixed period of authorized stay. Students who need additional time to complete their academic programs may be required to follow new procedures to request an extension of their authorized stay.
What Faculty Should Know
Faculty may receive questions from international students about how the new regulations could affect their enrollment, academic progress, degree completion, travel, or immigration status.
Faculty are not expected to interpret federal immigration regulations or advise students about their individual immigration status. However, academic decisions can intersect with immigration requirements, making it particularly important for students to receive accurate guidance before making changes that could affect their enrollment or degree progress.
If a student raises concerns about the new regulations or is considering an academic change that could affect their immigration status, please encourage them to connect with OISS for individualized advising.
OISS Resources and Support
OISS is actively reviewing the new regulations and collaborating with campus partners to evaluate their impact on UCSB's international community. As federal agencies provide additional guidance, OISS will continue to:
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Share timely information and updates with the campus community.
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Host informational webinars and town halls.
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Develop resources to help students, faculty, and staff understand the new requirements.
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Provide individualized advising to international students and scholars navigating the changes.
OISS advisors can help students understand how the new regulations may apply to their circumstances and identify steps they may need to take to maintain compliance with federal immigration requirements.
Connecting Students with OISS
Students who have questions about their immigration status, enrollment, degree progress, travel, or the new federal regulations should be referred directly to OISS.
OISS staff are available for walk-in advising and appointments Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m., on the third floor of the Student Resource Building.
UCSB remains committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for our international community. OISS will continue helping international students and scholars navigate these regulatory changes while supporting their academic and personal success at UCSB.