Federal court pauses DHS rule that would end Duration of Status for F-1 students

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a U.S. Department of Homeland Security rule that would have replaced the long-standing Duration of Status framework for international students and exchange visitors with fixed periods of admission.

The rule was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. The September 14 preliminary injunction means the existing Duration of Status system remains in effect while the litigation continues.

For F-1 students, the proposed rule would have introduced fixed admission periods and additional extension-of-stay procedures. It also contained changes affecting transfers, changes in educational level and other academic matters.

Universities including Brown, Georgetown, Vanderbilt and Washington University have advised international students to continue following the rules currently in effect while the case proceeds.

What students should know: The court order is a pause, not a final decision on the validity of the DHS rule. Students should continue maintaining full-time enrolment and following the instructions of their designated school officials.

Sources: Reuters; U.S. university international-student offices, September 14–22, 2026.