Continuing Education Noncredit
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Glendale Community College Verdugo CampusGarfield Campus Continuing EducationMontrose CampusProfessional Development Center

New DHS Regulations

Effective September 15, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will implement updated regulations administering the duration of status for F-1 students in the United States. These revisions introduce new considerations regarding program extensions, institutional transfers, changes of major, and English-language study, among other academic determinations. The impact of these regulatory adjustments will vary individually, dependent upon each student's specific immigration record, travel history, and academic route. 

Regulation Prior to September 15 New Regulation Effective September 15 and After

Duration of Status (D/S) 

  • Admitted to the us with D/S, as indicated on the I-94​ 
  • If a student was maintaining status and making normal academic progress, they were eligible to remain in the U.S​. 

D/S changed to a Fixed Period of Admission (AUD) 

  • Admitted for a fixed period necessary to complete program on I-20 +30-day grace period, as indicated on I-94​ 
  • If unable to complete program by AUD, must file for an Extension of Stay (EOS)​ 

Program Extensions and Extension of Stay 

  • DSO approved Extensions 
  • If a student needs more time to complete their program, they must:​ 
  1. Meet eligibility requirements and request a DSO extension​ 
  2. Be issued a new I-20 with new program end date​ 

Program Extensions and Extension of Stay 

  • Requires DSO recommendation and USCIS approval 

If a student needs more time to complete their program, they must ​ 

  1. File for an EOS using form I-539 (New Form) with USCIS (Exact process TBD), or​ 
  2. Depart and re-enter US with new extended I-20​ 

Must apply in a “timely manner”​ 

*Exact timelines TBD​ 

Grace Period (60 Days) 

  • After a student completed their program of study or OPT, they generally had 60 days to depart or maintain status​ 
  • Transfer​ 
  • Apply for OPT​ 
  • Request a new program at GCC​ 
  • Apply for a change of status (COS)​ 
  • Consult immigration attorney for info​rmation

Grace Period (30 Days) 

  • After a student completes their program of study or OPT, they have 30 days to depart or maintain status​ 
  • Transfer​ 
  • Apply for OPT​ 
  • Request a new program at GCC​ 
  • Apply for COS​ 
  • Consult immigration attorney for info​rmation

Changing Educational Objectives (Major) 

  • Students were able to update major as needed after counselor consultation​ 

Changing Educational Objectives (Major) 

  • Students cannot change “educational objectives” (major or educational level) for 1 academic year​ 

Transfer Limitations and Requirements 

  • Students were able to transfer upon acceptance to another school​ 
  • Process:​ Student requested DSO to transfer their SEVIS record​ 

Transfer Limitations and Requirements 

  • Students cannot transfer within first academic year of study​
  • Process will include I-539 EOS application (New Form)​ 

Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) 

  • Students were able to apply up to 90 days before (and 60 days after) their program end date, students able to apply for OPT​ 
  • Student requested OPT I-20 from school​ 
  • Student submitted I-765 OPT application to USCIS​ 

Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) 

  • Must apply up to 90 days before (and 30 days after) their program end date, students able to apply for OPT​ 
  • Process will include I-539 EOS application (New Form)​ 

Second Program at the Same/Lower Level 

  • Students were able to request another program at the same or lower level if eligible and properly documented​ 

Second Program at the Same/Lower Level 

  • Students who complete a degree in the US on F-1 status after September 15 can only begin a new program at a higher education level​ 
  • Examples for forward movement:​ 
  • Certificate → Associate ​ 
  • Associate → Bachelor​ 
  • Bachelor → Master​ 
  • Process will include I-539 EOS application (New Form)​ 

Current/Continuing Students 

  • Continue maintaining status as usual​ 
  • Students that were admitted to the US under D/S prior to the effective date will be considered “transition students”​ 
  • Any travel on the effective date or after will void “transition student” status:​ 
  • If you depart the US in December 2026 for the holidays and return in January​ 
  • If you depart the US in Summer 2027 for holiday and return for Fall 2027​ 
  • Eligible to remain in the US to complete your current program until your new AUD (I-20 program end date + 60-day grace period)​ 
  • Have a new AUD, but will not receive a new I-94​ 
  • Will have a fixed AUD on their I-94 (program end date + 30-day grace period)​ 
  • Complete the new transfer out process by the end of your new AUD (I-20 program end + 60-day grace period).​ 
  • Begin your new program while your EOS is pending*​ 

Effective September 15 and After 

  • Can only request a higher program (certificate -> associate)​ 
  • Complete the new second program request process by the end of your new AUD (I-20 program end + 60-day grace period)​ 
  • Process will include I-539 EOS application (New Form)​ 

 

 

 

All submitted documentation becomes the property of Glendale Community College and cannot be returned. You may submit certified copies of original documents. Supporting documents can be emailed to gcciso@glendale.edu. You can also contact us with any questions via email or by phone at +1 (818) 240-1000, Ext. 6645.