US ends open-ended F, J and I admission — four years for students, 240 days for most media
TL;DR
From Sept. 15, DHS caps F/J admission at four years and most I-media admission at 240 days.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is ending duration-of-status admission for F, J and I nonimmigrants through a rare 156-page final rule, document 2026-14439, scheduled to take effect September 15. F students and J exchange visitors receive up to four years per admission and must seek an extension of stay when more time is needed.
Most I-class foreign media representatives receive up to 240 days; covered mainland Chinese media personnel remain limited to 90 days. Journalists and students can apply for extensions, so reaching the date is not a permanent loss of eligibility. DHS will issue another document if congressional review changes the effective date.
The fixed period governs admission status after entry, not the validity of a visa stamp in a passport. The State Department still issues visas, while the I-94 date controls authorized stay in the United States. The two clocks are not interchangeable. People already in D/S status receive transition treatment.
This is an immigration regulation, not a new White House visa category, AI screening system or security-vulnerability notice. The Federal Register records September 15, up to four years for F and J, and generally 240 days for I.
via Federal Register / Reuters via Yahoo
Most I-class foreign media representatives receive up to 240 days; covered mainland Chinese media personnel remain limited to 90 days. Journalists and students can apply for extensions, so reaching the date is not a permanent loss of eligibility. DHS will issue another document if congressional review changes the effective date.
The fixed period governs admission status after entry, not the validity of a visa stamp in a passport. The State Department still issues visas, while the I-94 date controls authorized stay in the United States. The two clocks are not interchangeable. People already in D/S status receive transition treatment.
This is an immigration regulation, not a new White House visa category, AI screening system or security-vulnerability notice. The Federal Register records September 15, up to four years for F and J, and generally 240 days for I.
via Federal Register / Reuters via Yahoo
