DHS Final Rule Ending Duration of Status

Notice Regarding Federal Regulatory Changes Affecting Duration of Status

Last Updated: July 16 2026

International Support Services (ISS) is aware of recently published federal regulatory changes related to Duration of Status (D/S) and the immigration status of certain nonimmigrant students, exchange visitors, and scholars.

Publication Date: July 17, 2026

Effective Date: September 15, 2026

Link to Rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media

The regulations are scheduled to become effective 60 days after their publication date. Because there is time between publication and implementation, ISS is carefully reviewing the regulations and any accompanying federal guidance to determine how these changes may affect members of the University of Kansas international community.

What You Should Know

  • ISS is actively reviewing the new federal regulations and related agency guidance.
  • The regulations are not effective immediately; the effective date is 60 days following publication.
  • We are assessing the potential impact on KU international students, scholars, faculty, staff, departments, and exchange visitors.
  • Until ISS completes its review and additional guidance becomes available, community members should continue to comply with all current immigration requirements and maintain their status as usual.
  • There are transition provisions for individuals who are already in the United States with D/S on the effective date. 
  • No action is required at this time unless you receive direct communication from ISS or a federal agency regarding your individual immigration record. Please be cautious of scams. Federal agents very rarely call, they will email or send official communication through mail.

Next Steps

ISS will use the period before the regulations take effect to analyze the requirements, evaluate their impact on KU-sponsored individuals and programs, and develop guidance for the university community.

As additional information becomes available, ISS will:

  • Update this webpage with the latest information and guidance.
  • Communicate directly with affected students, scholars, faculty, staff, and departments.
  • Provide information about any required actions, timelines, or procedural changes resulting from the regulations.

We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure that the information we provide is accurate, comprehensive, and consistent with federal requirements.