DHS Finalizes New Admission Regulations for Nonimmigrant Students
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established new regulations, set to replace the Duration of Status (D/S) admissions framework for the majority of F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain I visa holders. This significant policy shift will take effect on September 17, 2026, marking one of the most substantial changes in decades concerning student and exchange visitor immigration.
Under these revised regulations, many F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants will be granted a 30-day grace period following a program period that can last up to four years. For individuals whose programs extend beyond their authorized duration, applying for an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is essential, and this must be done prior to the expiration of their I-94. Additionally, specific I visa holders may be permitted to enter the U.S. for fixed durations of up to 240 days.
Compliance Implications for Employers and Institutions
These changes will heighten compliance responsibilities for various stakeholders including employers, educational institutions, hospitals, and research organizations that rely on international expertise. To prepare, organizations should take the following steps:
- Identify employees and trainees on F, J, and I visas.
- Track I-94 expiration dates instead of relying solely on status expiration dates.
- Plan extension requests well ahead of time, ensuring they are submitted before status expirations.
- Review I-9 documentation and onboarding procedures for affected personnel.
Enhanced Immigration Oversight and Its Effects
DHS has emphasized that the intent behind the new rule is to bolster immigration oversight, enhance program integrity, and decrease the incidence of visa overstays. The upcoming end of the status period will fundamentally alter the landscape for international students, exchange visitors, and foreign media personnel in the U.S. Employers and educational institutions should begin modifying their compliance strategies now to prevent gaps in legal status and ensure timely extension requests when the regulations take effect.
Rescission of 2022 Public Charge Regulations
The DHS has also finalized a rule that revokes the 2022 public charge regulations, which significantly alters how USCIS assesses whether applicants for certain visas, admissions, and status adjustments are likely to become public charges. This rule will take effect on September 18, 2026.
The repeal reinstates broader discretionary authority for immigration officers to consider various relevant factors when making decisions, moving away from a more restrictive focus on public interests. As part of the implementation, USCIS plans to release an updated version of Form I-485, the Application for Permanent Resident Registration or Adjustment of Status. Starting on the effective date, older versions of this form will no longer be accepted, necessitating that applicants confirm they are using the correct document and understand revised submission requirements prior to filing.
Changes Affecting Temporary Protected Status Workers
Employers with workers holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) need to closely examine their Form I-9 records to ascertain whether revalidation of employment authorization will be necessary by July 22, 2026. Recent legal amendments have shortened the maximum period for automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), meaning some employees who were previously believed to have authorization until late August 2026 may face an earlier loss of work eligibility.
While many TPS beneficiaries who filed timely renewal applications before October 30, 2025, were previously eligible for a 540-day EAD extension, the current law caps automatic extensions to the lesser of one year from the renewal application date or the end date of TPS designation. As a result, some beneficiaries might find their work eligibility expiring on July 22, 2026, unless they acquire a new EAD or other valid work authorization.
UK’s Indian Young Professionals Scheme Opens for Final Voting
The UK has announced the second and final voting round for the Indian Young Professionals Scheme, commencing on July 21, 2026, and concluding on July 23, 2026. This program allows eligible Indian nationals to live, work, and study in the UK for a period of up to two years.
Eligible applicants must be Indian citizens aged 18 to 30, possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and meet certain financial requirements. They also must not have dependents under 18 years of age. While participating in the ballot is free, selected individuals must complete a visa application, undergo biometric verification, and pay applicable fees within 90 days.
Ireland Improves Support for Foreign Nationals During Permit Delays
In response to ongoing delays in renewing Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards, Ireland has extended temporary measures to support affected foreign nationals. Applicants who submit renewal applications before their current permits expire will be able to live and work in the country, and in some cases, travel abroad while awaiting renewal approval.
Current provisions allow eligible individuals to remain in Ireland until August 31, 2026, even if their IRP cards have expired, provided they have applied for renewal in a timely manner and submitted the necessary documentation. The government has also extended temporary travel allowances until the same date, although travelers must carry an official Immigration Services Travel Notification alongside their expired IRP card when traveling. This adjustment aims to manage ongoing processing backlogs affecting various residence permit categories, which can lead to significant delays.
