This past July, DHS announced a new rule which would remove duration of status and applying fixed admission dates for F, J, and I classifications. For more background on the rule and the changes it proposed, read our original article here.
On September 14, 2026, Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction order preventing the rule from going into effect as was planned on September 15, 2026.
What does this mean?
As of now the new rule has been “stayed,” meaning they will not go into effect until further court orders. DHS will most likely appeal this injunction, meaning there is a chance another court may reverse the order and thus implement the rules on a different date.
Murray Osorio will continue to provide updates regarding the status of the new F-1 and J-1 rules. If you have questions about how these developments may affect your immigration status or options, call (800) 929-7142 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.