Can graduate students transfer universities after September 15?

Under the new rule, F-1 students at the graduate level generally cannot transfer to another university while their current graduate program is still in progress. An exception may be possible if SEVP approves a transfer due to qualifying extenuating circumstances.

Can I start a second master's degree after September 15?

Generally, no if you complete your first master's in the U.S. as an F-1 student after September 15, 2026. The new rule prevents F-1 students from starting another program at the same or a lower educational level. Programs completed before the rule's effective date do not count toward this restriction.

What if I already started my Day 1 CPT program before September 15?

If you are already in valid F-1 status and enrolled in your Day 1 CPT program before the rule takes effect, you generally do not have to stop CPT just because September 15 arrives. However, future travel, program extensions, transfers, or other status changes could bring you under the new fixed-admission rules.

Will the New Rule Increase Day 1 CPT RFE Risk?

Not automatically. DHS has not stated that the new rule will increase RFEs for Day 1 CPT students, and the rule does not change CPT eligibility itself. However, the new Extension of Stay process gives USCIS additional opportunities to review whether a student maintained valid F-1 status and avoided unauthorized employment, making accurate CPT, academic, and employment records even more important.

Could the September 15 rule still be blocked or delayed?

Yes. A federal lawsuit filed on August 18, 2026 seeks a preliminary injunction that could block the rule before it takes effect. As of August 27, 2026, no injunction has been issued, so the rule is still scheduled for September 15, 2026. DHS can also delay certain transfer and educational-level restrictions for up to two years if implementation is infeasible. (nafsa.org) (federalregister.gov)

Can You Continue CPT While an Extension of Stay Is Pending?

Yes. If you timely file an Extension of Stay before entering the 30-day grace period, your current authorized CPT can generally continue while the application is pending, for up to 240 days and subject to the CPT authorization period. If you file during the 30-day grace period, you cannot continue CPT until the extension is approved. (Federal Register)

Do I need to file both Form I-765 and Form I-539 for OPT after September 15?

Not necessarily. F-1 students in the transition period who timely file for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT on or before March 18, 2027 generally only need to file Form I-765. After that transition period, students who need to extend their F-1 stay for OPT may also need to file Form I-539 for an Extension of Stay.