A federal judge has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction stopping the rule from taking effect, just one day before its scheduled start date
A US federal judge has blocked the Department of Homeland Security's rule ending "Duration of Status" for international students, which we've been following since it was first announced. On September 14, 2026 — one day before the rule was due to take effect — US District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV granted a nationwide preliminary injunction, meaning the existing Duration of Status system remains in place while the legal case continues.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Ruling date: September 14, 2026, by US District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, District of Massachusetts
- What it means right now: DHS and ICE are barred from implementing or enforcing the fixed 4-year admission period and the shortened 30-day grace period while the case proceeds
- Current status: The longstanding Duration of Status framework — open-ended status tied to maintaining a valid program, rather than a fixed expiry date — remains in effect nationwide for F-1, J-1, and I visa holders
- This is not final: The judge denied, without prejudice, the plaintiffs' request for full vacatur of the rule; the underlying legal dispute is still being litigated
- Next hearing: October 2, 2026
- What could happen next: The government may appeal this injunction; the case could still result in the rule being reinstated, permanently blocked, or modified as litigation continues
What this means for students
For now, students currently in the US on F-1 or J-1 status continue under the existing Duration of Status system — there is no fixed 4-year admission period and no reduction in the post-completion grace period at this time. This is genuinely positive news for current and prospective US students, but it's important to understand this is a preliminary ruling, not a permanent resolution. The case continues, with a further hearing scheduled for October 2, and the administration retains the option to appeal.
What you can do
- If you're currently in the US on F-1 or J-1 status, no immediate action is required — the previous system remains in effect.
- If you're applying to study in the US, you can proceed under the existing Duration of Status framework, while staying aware that this remains an active legal matter.
- Keep checking for updates as the case proceeds, particularly around the October 2 hearing, since the situation could change again depending on the court's further rulings or a potential appeal.
IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam, continues to track this developing story closely and will keep this page updated as the case progresses, so students planning to study in the US have the most current, accurate information available.
