A federal court in Boston has postponed the effective date of, and preliminarily enjoined implementation of, the new rule that was scheduled to take effect on September 15 and eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. As a result, the existing D/S framework remains in place pending further order of the court or resolution of the case on the merits.
F-1 and J-1 students and scholars should continue to follow the immigration rules and processes currently in place. The new requirement to file with USCIS to extend a fixed period of admission, as well as the new restrictions on certain academic changes, changes in education level, and transfers, will not take effect at this time. I-20 and DS-2019 extensions completed in preparation for the new rule remain valid.
The court鈥檚 decision does not permanently resolve the issue, and litigation will continue. A court proceeding to discuss next steps is scheduled for October 2. ISSS will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available. Full text of the Memo and Order on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction is available聽.