When do the D/S rule transition provisions end?

FAQ.

Answered by Jennifer Glass, Immigration Coordinator of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: August, 2026

When do the D/S rule ‘transition provisions’ end?

Students in the U.S. when the new D/S rule goes into effect can stay in the U.S. without further action up to the end date on your I-20/DS-2019/EAD, not to exceed four years from September 15, 2026, whichever is less, plus the relevant grace period. Once you:

• depart and reenter the U.S. or

• apply for an extension of stay with USCIS

you are no longer under the ‘transition’ period. At this point, you will receive a date-specific I-94, with a 30-day grace period included.

Reasons you might need to apply for an extension include:

• You need more time in your current academic program

• You transfer schools

• You start a new academic program at a higher degree level

• You apply for OPT/STEM OPT extension outside of the 6-month transition period

Related Resources

• ISRC’s I-94 End Date/AUD Guide

• ISRC’s Summary of D/S rule

• ISRC’s D/S rule FAQ