On August 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a proposed rule to change how F and J students, scholars, and their dependents are admitted to the United States and how they may extend their stay. The proposed rule, effective on September 15, 2026, will replace D/S with a fixed admission period among other changes. 

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UPDATE: This new rule has been postponed. Read more about the delay of this rule here.

Content

1. New Changes
2. Changing Majors
3. Extension of Stay
4. Completing my Program and Transfer
5. Frequently Asked Questions

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New Changes

Period of Stay

F-1 visa holders and their dependents entering the U.S. after September 15, 2026 and on will be admitted for a fixed period of time, also known as the Admit Until Date (AUD) The AUD is the F-1 students’ maximum period of authorized stay in the U.S.  F-1 students cannot remain lawfully in the U.S. after their AUD. If you need more time, read on Extension of Stay. 

For F-1 students and their dependents who are in the U.S. before September 15, 2026, your AUD will be the date of your I-20’s program end date.

IMPORTANT: This AUD may change if you travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. After returning to the U.S., verify your AUD through your I-94 record.

Extension of Stay (EOS) 

Previously, F-1 students who needed additional time beyond their I-20 Program End Date to complete their studies could request an extension through the International Student Center. 

Starting September 15, 2026, students who need more time to complete their studies at PCC, need more time to complete their degree when they transfer out, or need more time to pursue employment training through post-completion Optional Practical Training must now file for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

You may also choose to exit the U.S. and re-enter with an updated I-20 with extended dates instead of filing for an EOS. 

Grace Periods after Your Program Ends

Previously, F-1 students would have a 60-day grace period to leave the U.S. after their program was completed.

Starting September 15, 2026, students will now have a 30-day period to depart the U.S. after their program ends, Program End Date), transfer to another school of higher level if you earn an Associate's degree (Bachelor’s degree or higher), apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), or file for a change of status with USCIS.

Transferring Out for New Students

Newly admitted students starting from Spring 2027 and on will be required to remain enrolled at PCC for one academic year before they can transfer to another school unless the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) grants the student an exception for extenuating circumstances. This section applies to students who have not yet completed their educational objective at PCC, whether it is a Certificate program or an Associate degree.

Changing Majors or Educational Level

Newly admitted students starting from Spring 2027 will be required to remain enrolled in their major, and/or their educational level for one academic year before they can change majors or change educational levels, unless DHS SEVP grants the student an exception for extenuating circumstances. This applies to students who have not yet completed their educational objective at PCC, whether it is a Certificate program or an Associate degree.

Transferring In to PCC

F-1 students who have completed a program in the U.S. at one educational level may not pursue another program at the same or lower educational level. Consult with an Educational Advisor  for clarification regarding your circumstances. 

Examples:

• You earned an Associate's Degree in the U.S. and want to apply to PCC. This is considered a lateral transfer and you may not be allowed to transfer under the new rules.
• You earned a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. and want to apply to PCC. This is considered a reverse transfer and you may not be allowed to transfer under the new rules.
• You are currently enrolled at another community college and will not earn your Associate's degree in the U.S. You want to apply to PCC. Because you did not finish your Associate's degree in the U.S., you will be allowed to transfer under the new rules.  

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Changing Majors

Can I change my major during my program of study?

Yes, but only after being enrolled at PCC for one academic year. Students will no longer be permitted to change their major during the first year of study.

Note: Changing your major may extend the amount of time needed to complete your program, which means you may need to request a program extension and submit an EOS application.

What should I do if I am considering changing my major?

Students who are considering changing their major after completing their first academic year at PCC must:

1. Discuss with an ISC Educational Advisor before making the change so that we can review how the change might affect your F-1 status;
   
   
2. Update your major on your LancerPlan together with an Academic Counselor. Learn how;
    
3. Submit a Change of Information within 10 days of the change;
   • The major listed in your LancerPlan must always match the major listed on your Form I-20
   • Failure to notify the ISC of your new major will result in errors between PCC and your immigration record, which will affect your F-1 status
     
     
4. Once ISC receives your completed form and verifies your status and information, your Educational Advisor will update your SEVIS record and email to your PCC email a new Form I-20 within 10 work days.
   
   

I am currently a Health Sciences (or other major) while preparing to apply to the Nursing program at PCC. When can I change my major to Nursing?

You may change your major to Nursing if you are admitted into the PCC Nursing program, and only after you have been enrolled for two consecutive semesters (one academic year) in your initially declared major.

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Extension of Stay (EOS)

I began studying PCC before September 15, 2026, and I do not need more time to complete my program. Do I need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS)? 

No. If you were admitted in F-1 status under Duration of Status (D/S) and are in the United States on September 15, 2026, you may remain in the U.S. through:

• Your current I-20 Program End Date plus 60 days, or
• The end of any post-completion OPT authorization valid on September 15, 2026

IMPORTANT: Students who are present in the U.S. 60 days when the final rule takes effect on September 15, 2026, and who timely filed for post-completion OPT by March 18, 2027, also do not need to submit a separate application for EOS.

I need more time to complete my program at PCC. What should I do?

If you believe you need more time to complete your PCC program beyond the Program End Date listed on your PCC I-20:

1. Meet with an Academic Counselor. Learn how; 
   
   
2. Update your LancerPlan (Education Plan) with an Academic Counselor;
    
3. Submit a Program Extension to PCC ISC together with:  
   • A current bank statement showing minimum funds
   • If applicable, file an EOS application with USCIS (Form I-539A)

IMPORTANT: You may apply for an EOS up to 180 days before your AUD.

Do I need to file an EOS/I-539 with USCIS if my I-20 is extended before September 15, 2026?

No. If your Program Extension was approved by PCC International Student Center before September 15, 2026, you do not need to file an EOS (Form I-539A).

What if I need an Extension of Stay (EOS) after September 15, 2026?

Starting September 15, you must first determine where you will be enrolled before you file an EOS. You may apply for an EOS up to 180 days before your AUD.

If you will be enrolled at PCC when you file for an EOS, follow these steps: 

1. Request a Program Extension from PCC
   
   
2. Receive an updated Form I-20 with EOS recommendation
   
   
3. File Form I-539A (Extension of Stay) with USCIS, along with supporting documents: 
   • Updated I-20 with EOS recommendation from PCC
   • Recent I-94
   • Copy of all your I-20s 
   • Copy of EAD card(s) (if applicable) 
   • Copy of passport
   • Copy of F-1 Visa or USCIS Approval Notice I-797A 
   • All university or college transcripts
   • Bank Statements and Sponsor Statement Form 
   • Applicant Essay: Why are you applying for EOS, dates requested, your future goals for your major, additional personal or academic information for consideration 
   • Admission letter from your new school (if applicable)
   • Program Map, Academic Explanation Letter, or College Catalog information (if applicable) from Pay the required filing fee. 
   • DSO Support Letter (if applicable)
     
     
4. Pay the I-539A Filing Fee. Fee schedule here
   
   
5. Check your USCIS electronic portal and your email regularly. You may be required to complete a biometrics in-person appointment, if required. If you miss this appointment, this can result in delay or cancellation of your EOS application.   

IMPORTANT: Students who need more time to complete their program due to academic notice, pause, suspension, repeating classes, or failure to make normal academic progress will not qualify for an Extension of Stay. U.S.

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Program Completion and Transfers

Can I transfer to another college or university within my first year of study at PCC? 

No, F-1 students will not be able to transfer within their first year in the U.S. You are eligible to transfer out after completing one year at PCC. 

What are my options after I complete my program at PCC?

Beginning September 15, 2026, after completing your program and before the end of your grace period, you must:

• Transfer to a four-year university 
• Apply for Post-Completion OPT (if eligible) 
• Depart the United States, or
• Change into another lawful status
  
  

After graduating, may I remain at PCC to pursue a second Associate degree?

No. Beginning September 15, 2026, students who complete an Associate degree program at PCC may not begin another program at the same college. Instead, students should plan to transfer to a four-year university, apply for Post-Completion OPT (if eligible), depart the U.S. by the end of their grace period, or change into another lawful status. 

Can I transfer to another community college or English language school after completing my Associate degree at PCC?

No. Beginning September 15, 2026, students who complete their program may not transfer to another community college or English language school after graduating with an Associate degree. F-1 students will only be allowed to pursue a program of study at a “higher” educational level such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Consult with your ISC Educational Advisor if you have other circumstances or questions. 

I am transferring to a four-year college or university. Will I need an Extension of Stay (EOS)?

Yes, anyone who needs more time after their AUD will need to submit an EOS. 

What are the steps to transfer to another college or university?  

1. Apply to your new school and receive an acceptance letter
   
   
2. Speak with your ISC Educational Advisor to determine if you will need to apply for an EOS
    
3. Submit the Transfer Out Request to PCC
   • Your transfer out date must be after the last day of the class for the current semester
   • PCC will transfer your I-20 to your new school within 10 work days of receiving your request
     
     
4. File an EOS (Form I-539A)
   • You may continue studying at your new school until final decision is issued by USCIS.  

Alternatively, you can also travel outside the U.S. and re-enter with the I-20 from the new school, an active passport, and a valid F-1 visa. Customs and Border Patrol will update your I-94 record to AUD of 2 or 4 years, whatever is listed on the I-20 as the program end date, not to exceed 4 years.

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Optional Practical Training (OPT)

I am applying for Post-Completion OPT in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Do I need an Extension of Stay (EOS)?

No, you will not need an Extension of Stay (EOS) if you meet the following: 

• You were admitted under Duration of Status (D/S)
• You were physically present in the United States on September 15, 2026, and 
• You timely file your Post-Completion OPT application by March 18, 2027. 

What if I travel before filing my OPT application?

Students who travel before filing for Post-Completion OPT and return to the U.S. with a fixed period of admission must file:

• Form I-765 (OPT application), and 
• Form I-539A (Extension of Stay)

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Additional Questions

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