New F-1 Visa Rules: What International Students Need to Know About First-Year Restrictions

New F-1 Visa Rules Restrict First-Year Major Changes and School Transfers

Starting September 15, 2026, F-1 undergraduate students entering the United States will face new limitations on changing their academic programs or transferring to different institutions during their first year. This significant policy shift, enacted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aims to standardize academic progression and requires students to remain at their initial school for a full academic year before making such changes, unless specific exceptions apply. This new regulation affects students beginning their studies on or after the effective date, altering the academic mobility landscape for international students.

Understanding the First-Year Restriction

The core of the new rule prohibits F-1 undergraduates from changing their major or transferring schools within their first academic year. This restriction applies to students who enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026. The intention is to ensure students commit to an academic path for at least one full academic year at the institution that issued their initial Form I-20. This means that any program changes or transfers must be planned for after this initial year, provided the student maintains their F-1 status.

The rule defines a major change or a change in educational level as a modification of the student’s educational objective. Therefore, both types of academic mobility are subject to the same one-year waiting period. This unified approach simplifies the guidelines for both students and university advising offices, ensuring clarity on when such academic shifts are permissible.

Exceptions to the Rule

While the first-year restriction is broad, there are provisions for extenuating circumstances. The DHS allows for exceptions in situations that are beyond the student’s control. However, these exceptions are not automatic and require specific approval through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students facing unusual situations that necessitate an early major change or transfer should consult their Designated School Official (DSO) to understand the process for seeking such an exception.

Beyond the first year, students can still change majors or transfer schools, but they must meet certain criteria. These include maintaining lawful F-1 status and ensuring their academic record does not indicate probation or suspension. The school transfer process still involves SEVIS and requires the new school to issue a new Form I-20, ensuring that all official documentation is up to date.

Broader Changes to F-1 Visa Regulations

These new limits on major changes and school transfers are part of a larger overhaul of the F-1 visa system. DHS has also eliminated “duration of status” (D/S) for F-1 students. This means students will no longer be permitted to stay in the U.S. as long as they are pursuing their course of study. Instead, they will be granted a fixed admission period, typically indicated on their Form I-94.

If a student’s program extends beyond their authorized stay, they will need to apply for an extension of stay through USCIS or depart and re-enter the U.S. with a new Form I-20. This change introduces a recurring administrative task for students whose academic programs are longer than their initial admission period. It also means that students must be more proactive in managing their immigration status and ensuring they have the necessary documentation for continued study.

Transition Rules for Current Students

For students already in the U.S. on F or J visas before September 15, 2026, a transition rule is in place. These students will continue to have “duration of status” on their Form I-94 until the earliest of three dates: the end date on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, the end of their post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT that is valid on September 15, 2026, or November 14, 2030, for most F-1 students. This provides a safety net for current students, allowing them to complete their current academic or OPT period under the previous rules.

Additionally, the grace period for post-completion OPT has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days, effective September 15, 2026. This shorter window requires students to be more decisive about their next steps after completing their studies or OPT. The new calendar for F-1 students, with November 14, 2030, serving as a backstop for fixed-stay periods, signifies a more structured approach to managing international student stays in the United States.

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