International students and scholars in F and J visa status (which includes F-1 students, F-2 dependents, J-1 students and scholars, and J-2 dependents), since 1991 for F students and 1993 for J exchange visitors have been admitted to the United States for a period known as “duration of status” (D/S) rather than until a specific date.
An F and J visa individual’s Form I-94 record (U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrival and departure record) has an “admit until date” of “D/S,” which stands for “duration of status.” In general terms, this means that an F or J visa individual could stay in the U.S. for as long as they have a valid Form I-20 (F visa) or Form DS-2019 (J visa) and as long as it takes them to complete their degree or program, such as completing a program of study or research period (with certain limits and rules for eligibility for extensions).
On and after September 15, 2026, duration of status will no longer be issued on Form I-94s. If a F or J visa holder previously had D/S on their I-94 and they travel outside of the U.S., upon reentry into the U.S., the new I-94 will now have a fixed date of admission.
