Could F-1 Students Lose “D/S” Status? Major Update Explained

Recent discussions around a proposed immigration policy change have raised concerns among international students and families across the United States.

Reports suggest that future changes could affect how certain F-1 and J-1 students receive and maintain their immigration status.

Many students are asking the same question:

“Could D/S status eventually disappear?”

The short answer is: not yet.

However, there are developments students should understand.

What Is “D/S” Status?

For more than three decades, many F-1 and J-1 students entering the United States have received an I-94 marked “D/S”, which stands for Duration of Status.

Under the current system, students may generally remain in the U.S. as long as they:

• Maintain valid student status
• Stay enrolled in their approved academic program
• Follow immigration and visa requirements

Unlike many other nonimmigrant classifications, D/S currently does not assign a fixed expiration date directly on the I-94.

What Is Being Discussed?

The Department of Homeland Security previously introduced a proposed rule that could change how status is tracked for certain students.

According to recent immigration and education policy reports, the rule has moved through additional review stages and has received renewed attention.

The proposal remains under review and has not become an effective rule.

If Finalized, What Could Change?

Under the proposal, several areas could be affected.

Possible changes include:

• F-1 and J-1 students receiving a fixed expiration date on their I-94 rather than D/S status

• Students in longer programs, including certain Master’s, PhD, and research programs, potentially needing to request extensions

• A shorter post-completion grace period in certain situations

• More restrictions involving school transfers or program changes

• Increased risks related to remaining beyond the authorized period without an approved extension

Because proposals may change during review, final details could differ from current discussions.

Has This Rule Taken Effect?

At this time, no.

Important details students should know:

• The rule has not officially taken effect

• No final effective date has been announced

• The content may still change before implementation

• Additional legal or policy developments may occur

Current students should avoid making major decisions based only on headlines.

What Could This Mean for International Students?

If future changes become effective, students may need to pay closer attention to:

• I-94 expiration dates

• Extension requirements

• School transfer timelines

• Program completion planning

• Immigration compliance requirements

Even if changes eventually happen, implementation may not affect all students immediately.

What Students Should Know Moving Forward

International student regulations can change over time, and policy discussions do not always become final rules.

Understanding what has actually changed — versus what is still being proposed — is important when planning your next steps.

Pacific Immigration continues monitoring immigration updates affecting international students and families so our community can stay informed and prepared.