Does the new D/S rule limit me to a maximum of 4 years in the U.S. for study?
FAQ.
Answered by Jennifer Glass, Immigration Coordinator of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: August, 2026
Does the new D/S rule limit me to a maximum of 4 years in the U.S. for study?
No. The new D/S rule is prospective (meaning it will not be ‘backdated’) AND the limitation is on the amount of time a student can study before needing to apply for an extension through USCIS or travel and re-entry. You CAN apply for additional time as needed, thus the rule is instituting the need for periodic extension applications, but not limiting the total amount of time you can study in the U.S.
This means…
If you’ve already been studying in the U.S. for four years, you don’t immediately need to apply for an extension when the rule goes into effect. The rule isn’t counting backwards. Instead, look at your I-20/DS-2019/EAD end date and count forward. Your new end date will be whichever is shorter: that end date or four years.
The new rule doesn’t prevent you from pursuing educational opportunities that take more than four years (for example, pursuing a 6-year PhD program or completing a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, then 2 year Master’s, then 5 year PhD). However, it does add the new requirement of applying for an extension or lawful admission (international travel and reentry) along the way in order to maintain your immigration status.
Related Resources
ISRC’s Summary of D/S rule
ISRC’s D/S rule FAQ
