There's a significant update to a rule we've been closely tracking: on September 14, 2026, a federal judge in Massachusetts issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking DHS's rule ending Duration of Status for F, J, and I nonimmigrants — just one day before the rule was scheduled to take effect. The...
Major changes affecting F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors are set to take effect on September 15, 2026. The new rule replaces Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed periods of admission, introduces an “Admit Until Date,” reduces the F-1 grace period from 60 to 30 days, and creates new requirements for...
Back in July, we sent an initial alert letting you know that DHS had finalized this rule (you can revisit our original post, “It's Final: DHS Ends Duration of Status for F, J, and I Visa Holders,” here). Since then, several important developments have occurred, including a legal challenge to the...
When DHS finalized its rule replacing duration of status with fixed admission periods for F, J, and I nonimmigrants, most of the attention went to the individual timelines: the four-year cap, the shortened 30-day grace period for F-1 students, and the new requirement to file for an extension of stay directly with...
Physicians caught in USCIS processing delays are getting some relief. According to recent reports, USCIS has lifted processing holds that had been affecting pending immigration benefit applications for physicians, including H-1B petitions filed by U.S. employers and adjustment of status applications tied to J-1 waivers.
What Was...As the 2026 residency match cycle approaches, hospitals, medical schools, and international medical graduates are facing an immigration environment that is more complex and less predictable than in prior years. Changes in visa processing, travel restrictions, and government review procedures are expected to impact onboarding timelines and workforce planning for residency programs...
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program continues to be a popular pathway for individuals seeking academic, cultural, and professional exposure in the United States. Although the program is temporary by design, many J-1 participants hope to continue building their careers in the U.S. once their exchange experience ends.
Because the...
The U.S. Department of State has announced significant updates that will impact international students and exchange visitors applying for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas. These changes reflect enhanced security vetting protocols, with a particular emphasis on reviewing social media presence and online activity.
What You Need...The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program offers opportunities for international scholars, researchers, trainees, interns, and physicians to come to the United States for temporary, purpose-driven stays. But for many J-1 holders, life and opportunities in the U.S. evolve — and the question becomes: Can I apply for a green card from J-1 status?
Certain foreign nationals who participate in J-1 Exchange Visitor programs are subject to a two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e). This means they must return to their home country for at least two years before becoming eligible for specific U.S. immigration benefits. However, this requirement doesn’t close all doors—there are...
