1. Is the DHS rule ending Duration of Status in effect?

No. On September 14, 2026, a federal court blocked the DHS final rule from taking effect as scheduled on September 15. The existing Duration of Status (D/S) framework remains in place nationwide while the case continues. The relief applies beyond the institutions involved in the lawsuit. Source: Presidents’ Alliance

2. What does D/S mean on an F-1 student’s I-94?

D/S means Duration of Status. It generally allows an F-1 student to remain in the United States while pursuing the required course of study or participating in authorized practical training and maintaining status. It does not grant an unlimited stay or permission to ignore academic and employment requirements.

3. Are F-1 students now limited to four years in the United States?

No. The blocked rule’s four-year maximum admission period is not currently in effect.

4. Do F-1 students need to file Form I-539 because of the September 15 rule?

Students do not currently need to file Form I-539 for an extension of stay solely because of the blocked fixed-admission rule. This does not eliminate I-539 requirements for other purposes. Students needing additional time to finish their academic program should still consult their Designated School Official (DSO) about an I-20 program extension.

5. Does the D/S court ruling change Day 1 CPT eligibility?

The ruling does not itself approve Day 1 CPT or establish an individual student’s CPT eligibility. It postpones the D/S final rule.

6. Can I stay in the U.S. if my F-1 visa expires but my I-94 shows D/S?

An expired F-1 visa stamp does not by itself end your authorized stay. Visa validity and immigration status are different: your admission record and compliance with F-1 requirements govern your stay. If you leave the United States, you generally need a valid visa to seek reentry unless an exception applies. Source: U.S. Department of State

7. Has the Duration of Status final rule been permanently canceled?

No. The court postponed the rule’s effective date under Section 705 of the Administrative Procedure Act. It did not permanently vacate the rule in this order. Further court proceedings could change the outcome, so students should monitor updates before making decisions based on the current pause. Source: Court opinion, conclusion

8. Does the F-1 60-day grace period still apply?

Yes. Because the DHS final rule was blocked before taking effect, the planned reduction of the F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 days to 30 days is not currently in effect. The existing F-1 Duration of Status framework remains in place while the litigation continues.

Day 1 CPT Universities in Texas and Florida

Day 1 CPT universities for those who work or live in Taxes, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Floria, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, D.C., Maryland, or Delaware.

Some international students would also consider SoCal (Southern California) as south. If you live in Southern California and are interested in Day 1 CPT, we'd recommend Westcliff University, Sofia University, and CiAM.

Or, you can fill out this form to get your personalized list of day 1 CPT universities.

🔍

Westcliff University

Locations:California, Florida, Texas

Tuition:From $15k/Year

Onsite Frequency:Varies by program

Majors:Business Administration & Management, Accounting & Finance, Health Science, Nursing, IT & Computer Science, Engineering, Education, Analytics & Data & AI

STEMPayment PlanScholarshipsDoctor's Degree

Upcoming Intakes:

10/26/2026 01/04/2027

Apply now! Learn more

Goldey-Beacom College

Locations:Delaware

Tuition:From $12k/Year

Onsite Frequency:Bi-Monthly

Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI, Accounting & Finance, Health Science, Nursing, IT & Computer Science, Humanities & Social Science

STEMPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

10/19/2026 01/19/2027 03/15/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more

Concordia University Texas

Locations:Texas

Tuition:From $13k/Year

Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term

Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI, IT & Computer Science

STEMAIPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/11/2027 05/03/2027

Apply now! Learn more

Bay Atlantic University

Locations:Washington D.C.

Tuition:From $15k/Year

Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term

Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI, IT & Computer Science

STEMAIPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/19/2027 06/01/2027

Apply now! Learn more

McDaniel College

Locations:Maryland

Tuition:From $10k/Year

Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term

Majors:Analytics & Data & AI

STEMAIPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

TBD

Apply now! Learn more

North Carolina Wesleyan University

Locations:North Carolina

Tuition:From $11k/Year

Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term

Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI

STEMPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/04/2027 05/10/2027

Apply now! Learn more

National Louis University

Locations:Florida, Illinois

Tuition:From $18k/Year

Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term

Majors:Analytics & Data & AI, Business Administration & Management

STEMPayment PlanMaster-CapDoctor's Degree

Upcoming Intakes:

09/21/2026 01/18/2027 01/18/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more

Trump Extends $100,000 H-1B Fee Policy Through 2027 as Court Block Continues

Sep 18, 2026, 5:54:57 PM 4 min read

I-140 and I-485 RFE Trends in 2026: What Green Card Applicants Should Know

Sep 17, 2026, 5:03:38 PM 4 min read

PERM Processing Time Hits 336 Days in 2026

Sep 15, 2026, 3:34:08 PM 3 min read

Court Blocks D/S Final Rule Just Before September 15

Sep 14, 2026, 3:46:17 PM 5 min read

Day 1 CPT Universities in the Southern States

Westcliff University

Goldey-Beacom College

Concordia University Texas

Bay Atlantic University

McDaniel College

North Carolina Wesleyan University

National Louis University

Day 1 CPT Free Consultation

Latest News - Day 1 CPT & Day 1 CPT Universities

Trump Extends $100,000 H-1B Fee Policy Through 2027 as Court Block Continues

I-140 and I-485 RFE Trends in 2026: What Green Card Applicants Should Know

PERM Processing Time Hits 336 Days in 2026

Court Blocks D/S Final Rule Just Before September 15