Rule change · 15 September 2026

United States: F-1 students are admitted for a fixed period instead of for duration of status: the time needed to complete the programme on the Form I-20, not more than 4 years, plus 30 days to prepare to leave

F-1 students are admitted for a fixed period instead of for duration of status: the time needed to complete the programme on the Form I-20, not more than 4 years, plus 30 days to prepare to leave. A longer stay needs an extension of stay approved by USCIS.