Big Student Visa (F-1) Regulation Update 2026

Immigration Lawyer John Khosravi breaks down the biggest overhaul to F-1 student visa rules in over 45 years, announced by the Department of Homeland Security and taking effect September 15, 2026. In this video, John covers the top 7 changes every current and future international student needs to know: the end of "Duration of Status," the new 4-year cap on stay, the shortened 30-day grace period, the shift to mandatory Form I-539 extensions, changes to OPT work permit filings, the new 24-month cap on language school programs, and tighter restrictions on changing schools or majors. If you're an F-1 student, plan to become one, or know someone who is, this is essential viewing before these rules reshape how student status works in the U.S. Note: this video is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized legal advice.

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Major DHS rule change for F-1 students

01:07 – #1: Effective September 15, 2026 & grandfathering of existing students

02:03 – #2: The end of "Duration of Status" (D/S) explained

03:15 – How unlawful presence and the 3/10-year bars work

04:10 – New 4-year cap and checking your I-94 end date

05:00 – #3: Grace period cut from 60 to 30 days

06:00 – #4: Extension of Status now requires Form I-539

07:00 – OPT work permits now also require an I-539 filing