DHS's final rule replaces that with a fixed period of entry of no more than four years
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DHS Final Rule Replaces Duration of Status With a Fixed Entry Period of No More Than Four Years for International Students and Exchange Visitors
Transfer Your F-1 Status Before September 15, 2026 and Study Acting in Los Angeles for Up to Three Years
International students currently maintaining valid F-1 status may be eligible to transfer their active SEVIS records to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory before September 15, 2026.
Students accepted into an eligible program at our acting school in Los Angeles may pursue professional acting studies for up to three years, provided they maintain valid F-1 status, remain enrolled in a full course of study, make satisfactory academic progress, and comply with all applicable federal immigration requirements.
Students commonly refer to this process as “transferring an F-1 visa.” Technically, it is the student’s SEVIS record that is transferred from one SEVP-certified school to another. Federal guidance confirms that eligible F-1 students may transfer between SEVP-certified institutions.
Because students must first apply, receive acceptance, and coordinate the SEVIS release with their current school, anyone considering a transfer should begin the process well before September 15, 2026.
Contact International Admissions
Los Angeles Acting Conservatory
Phone and WhatsApp: +1 (310) 392-0815
What Is the New DHS Final Rule for International Students?
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule establishing fixed periods of admission for F nonimmigrant students and J exchange visitors.
Under the previous system, many F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted to the United States for Duration of Status, usually displayed as “D/S” on Form I-94.
Duration of Status generally allowed an international student to remain in the United States while the student:
Pursued an approved full course of study
Maintained an active SEVIS record
Made normal academic progress
Followed F-1 employment restrictions
Participated only in authorized practical training
Otherwise maintained lawful student status
The DHS final rule replaces that system with a fixed period of authorized admission and creates an Extension of Stay process for students and exchange visitors who need additional time. DHS published the final rule on July 17, 2026.
When Does the New DHS Rule Take Effect?
The fixed-period admission rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.
This date is especially important for international students who are considering:
Transferring to another school
Beginning a new academic program
Changing educational levels
Traveling outside the United States
Extending an academic program
Applying for practical training
Remaining in the United States beyond an authorized admission date
Students who want to transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory should begin the admissions process before the effective date to allow enough time for acceptance, financial-document review, and SEVIS coordination.
Can I Transfer My F-1 Visa Before September 15, 2026?
Eligible F-1 students may transfer their active SEVIS records to another SEVP-certified school after receiving acceptance and following the required transfer procedures.
To transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory, a student will generally need to:
Apply to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory.
Meet the school’s admissions requirements.
Receive an official acceptance letter.
Submit the required passport and immigration documents.
Provide evidence of sufficient financial support.
Ask the current school’s DSO to transfer the SEVIS record.
Coordinate an appropriate SEVIS transfer-release date.
Receive a transfer-pending Form I-20 from the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory.
Enroll in the required full course of study.
The exact process depends on the student’s current immigration status, SEVIS record, program dates, travel plans, and transfer timing.
Why Should F-1 Students Begin the Transfer Process Early?
A school transfer cannot usually be completed until the student has first been accepted by the new institution.
Starting early provides time to:
Complete the admissions application
Submit academic and immigration records
Provide financial documentation
Receive an admissions decision
Communicate with the current DSO
Choose the correct transfer-release date
Receive a new Form I-20
Prepare for the program start date
Waiting until September 15, 2026 could create complications involving school deadlines, travel, enrollment, employment authorization, or control of the student’s SEVIS record.
Can Accepted Students Stay in the United States for Up to Three Years?
Students accepted into an eligible Los Angeles Acting Conservatory program may pursue a course of acting study lasting up to three years.
To remain lawfully in the United States throughout the program, an F-1 student must continue to:
Maintain valid F-1 status
Enroll in a full course of study
Attend the school listed in SEVIS
Make satisfactory academic progress
Follow attendance requirements
Avoid unauthorized employment
Keep immigration documents valid
Follow all DHS, USCIS, SEVP, and school requirements
Acceptance into the school does not independently guarantee permission to remain in the United States for three years. Continued lawful presence depends on the student maintaining F-1 status and remaining within the authorized admission period shown in the student’s immigration records.
What Does the Four-Year Maximum Mean?
Under the new rule, many F and J nonimmigrants will be admitted for the length of their approved program, but generally for no more than four years at a time.
The four-year period is a maximum. It is not an automatic period granted to every international student.
The actual period of admission may depend on:
The approved program length
The dates on Form I-20 or DS-2019
Passport validity
The student’s visa classification
The expiration date placed on Form I-94
The student’s immigration history
The determination made at entry
Other applicable restrictions
For example, a student accepted into an approved three-year acting program may receive an authorized period related to that program rather than automatically receiving four full years.
What Is Form I-94 and Why Is It Important?
Form I-94 is the official arrival and departure record that shows how long a nonimmigrant is authorized to remain in the United States.
Under the former Duration of Status system, many F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants had “D/S” listed on their I-94 records.
Under the fixed-period system, affected students may receive a specific expiration date.
International students should therefore monitor both:
The program end date on Form I-20 or DS-2019
The authorized expiration date on Form I-94
These dates may not always be identical.
Students should review their electronic Form I-94 after every entry into the United States and immediately report any apparent error to their DSO.
What Happens if a Student Needs More Time?
An international student who cannot complete a program before the fixed admission period expires may need to apply for an Extension of Stay.
The extension process may require:
A formal USCIS application
An updated Form I-20 or DS-2019
Evidence of continued enrollment
Academic transcripts
Proof of satisfactory academic progress
Financial documentation
An explanation of why additional time is necessary
Government filing fees
Biometrics, when required
USCIS review and approval
This is a major change from the former Duration of Status system.
Previously, an eligible student could often work with a DSO to extend the program end date in SEVIS. Under the fixed-period framework, a student whose authorized admission is ending may also need approval directly from USCIS.
How Does the Final Rule Affect Current F-1 Students?
The effect on students already inside the United States may depend on the rule’s transition provisions and the facts of each student’s case.
Important factors may include:
The current Form I-20 program end date
The student’s most recent entry
The current Form I-94
A future school transfer
A program or educational-level change
International travel
A practical-training application
A request for additional program time
An application to change immigration status
Students should not assume that every current F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant will receive the same expiration date or transition period.
How Does the New Rule Affect School Transfers?
The final rule creates additional oversight of school transfers, program changes, and requests for more time in the United States.
Students considering a transfer should communicate with:
The DSO at their current school
The DSO at the transfer-in school
The admissions office at the new school
A qualified immigration attorney when individual legal advice is needed
The student’s SEVIS transfer-release date is particularly important. It determines when control of the record moves from the current institution to the new school.
Federal guidance states that transferring F-1 students must report to the transfer-in DSO within the required period after the new program start date.
Can a Transfer Affect F-1 Employment?
Yes. A school transfer can affect employment connected to the student’s previous institution.
After the SEVIS release date, eligible on-campus employment is generally available only at the transfer-in school. A student may not continue working for the previous school after the record has been released.
Students with CPT, OPT, or another type of employment authorization should speak with their DSO before transferring because the transfer may affect current or planned employment.
Does the Rule Affect Optional Practical Training?
Optional Practical Training may remain available to eligible F-1 students, but students will need to monitor their immigration dates more carefully under the fixed-period system.
Students considering OPT should review:
Their academic program completion date
The OPT application window
Their requested OPT start and end dates
The OPT recommendation on Form I-20
Their Employment Authorization Document
Their Form I-94 expiration date
Any Extension of Stay requirement
Students cannot begin off-campus employment unless they have the required authorization.
How Does the Rule Affect J-1 Exchange Visitors?
The fixed-period rule also affects J-1 exchange visitors who were traditionally admitted for Duration of Status.
Affected categories may include:
Professors
Research scholars
Physicians
Interns
Trainees
Specialists
Government visitors
Other exchange-program participants
J-1 exchange visitors generally work with their designated program sponsors instead of an F-1 school DSO.
SEVIS is used to track and monitor F, M, and J nonimmigrants and their dependents throughout their participation in approved programs.
What Should International Students Do Before September 15, 2026?
Review Your Form I-20 or DS-2019
Confirm that your name, school or sponsor, program dates, educational level, and financial information are accurate.
Check Your Form I-94
Review your electronic I-94 after every entry into the United States. Under the new rule, a specific expiration date may control your authorized stay.
Speak With Your DSO or Program Sponsor
Ask how the final rule could affect your transfer, program completion, travel, practical training, or Extension of Stay plans.
Begin Your School Transfer Early
Complete the new-school application and receive acceptance before asking your current institution to release your SEVIS record.
Track Every Deadline
Monitor:
Program start and end dates
SEVIS transfer-release dates
Form I-94 expiration dates
Practical-training deadlines
Extension filing deadlines
Passport and visa expiration dates
Keep Copies of Your Immigration Records
Maintain copies of:
Every Form I-20 or DS-2019
Passport identification page
Visa stamp
Form I-94
Acceptance letters
Transcripts
Financial documents
Employment authorizations
Communications with school officials
Why Transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory?
The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory provides structured professional acting education for eligible international students who want to study in Los Angeles.
Students may receive training in:
Acting for Film and Television
Scene Study
Meisner Technique
Strasberg Method
Stella Adler Technique
Stanislavski Technique
Uta Hagen Technique
Improvisation
Voice and Speech
Movement
On-Camera Audition Technique
Cold Reading
Business of Acting
Professional Career Development
Our programs are designed for serious international actors who want to strengthen their technique and prepare for professional opportunities in film, television, theater, and digital media.
Why Study Acting in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is one of the world’s leading centers for film, television, streaming, theater, commercials, and digital entertainment.
International acting students may benefit from:
Professional on-camera training
Audition preparation
Film and television scene work
Live performance experience
Industry-focused instruction
Professional portfolio development
Career preparation
Exposure to the Los Angeles entertainment community
Students can develop their craft in the same city where major entertainment projects are created, cast, produced, and filmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the DHS final rule change?
The final rule replaces Duration of Status with fixed admission periods for F students, J exchange visitors, and certain other nonimmigrants.
What is the maximum admission period?
For many F and J nonimmigrants, the maximum period is no more than four years at a time. The actual authorized period may be shorter.
When does the final rule take effect?
The rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.
Can I transfer my F-1 status before September 15, 2026?
Eligible students may transfer their active SEVIS records to another SEVP-certified school after receiving acceptance and completing the federal transfer process.
Can I transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory?
Students who meet the school’s admissions requirements and remain eligible for an F-1 transfer may apply to transfer their SEVIS records to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory.
Can accepted students study for up to three years?
Students admitted into an eligible acting program may study for up to three years, provided they maintain valid F-1 status and comply with all academic and immigration requirements.
Does acceptance guarantee a three-year stay?
No. Acceptance permits an eligible student to begin the enrollment and Form I-20 process. Continued lawful stay depends on maintaining valid F-1 status and remaining within the authorized admission period.
Is an F-1 transfer the same as receiving a new visa?
No. A school transfer involves the student’s SEVIS record and a new Form I-20. A visa is an entry document issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Will every international student automatically receive four years?
No. Four years is a maximum period under the rule, not an automatic period for every student or exchange visitor.
Apply to Transfer Before September 15, 2026
International students interested in studying acting in Los Angeles should begin the admissions and transfer process now.
Accepted and eligible students may transfer their active SEVIS records to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory and pursue an approved acting program lasting up to three years while properly maintaining F-1 status.
Contact the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory
Los Angeles Acting Conservatory
10820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Phone and WhatsApp: +1 (310) 392-0815
Contact our International Admissions Team for information about:
F-1 school transfers
International student admissions
Form I-20 requirements
Acting programs in Los Angeles
SEVIS transfer procedures
Studying acting in Hollywood
Contact Our International Admissions Team
If you're currently studying in the United States and would like to transfer your F-1 visa before September 15, 2026, we are here to help.
Los Angeles Acting Conservatory
10820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Learn more about:
F-1 Visa Programs
Transfer Your F-1 Visa
Study Acting in Hollywood
International Student Admissions
Acting School in Los Angeles
Acting Programs for International Students
Learn more about:
F-1 Visa Acting Programs
International Student Admissions
Study Acting in Hollywood
Transfer Your F-1 Visa
Acting School in Los Angeles for International Students
Contact Our International Admissions Team-
If you're currently studying in the United States and would like to transfer your F-1 visa to a professional acting conservatory, we're here to help.
Los Angeles Acting Conservatory
10820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Learn more about:
F-1 Visa Acting Programs
International Student Admissions
Study Acting in Hollywood
Transfer Your F-1 Visa
Acting School for International Students
International Students| study acting in Hollywood
Study acting in los Angeles with a student visa
STUDY ACTING OR FILM MAKING WITH A STUDENT VISA IN LOS ANGELES
The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory offers both M1 student visas and F1 student visas
We prepare students for a career in stage, film, & television.
Learn the tools and techniques used by A-list stars to deliver Oscar-worthy performances on film & TV.
Michelle Danner has coached: Henry Cavill • Salma Hayek • Gerard Butler • Penélope Cruz • Andy Garcia • Zooey Deschanel • Seth MacFarlane • James Franco • Chris Rock • Norman Reedus
Our philosophy is that you can draw upon all different acting techniques, including Meisner, Strasberg, Adler, Hagen, Chekhov, and Stanislavski to form your own individual toolbox.
You will learn from working actors, directors, and producers and are encouraged to get out into the real world and audition for short films, independent projects, and web series once you are ready.
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Study acting in los angeles with a student visa
Start your Acting Career in Hollywood
Set yourself up for success with a game plan for your career in filmmaking or Acting.
F-1 Visa Students. An I-20 and F-1 visa is available if accepted into the acting conservatory in Los Angeles are not required if studying from your home country.
International students with F1 visas or M1 student visa‘s are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training. (OPT) after completing their selected program.
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE ACTING CLASSES THAT ARE PART OF THE FILM ACTING PROGRAM:
Auditioning for Film & Television (On Camera)-Increase your booking ratio!
Scene Study & script analysis
Meisner Technique -Scene study Level 1 – 4
Uta Hagen acting technique scene study.
Stanislavski Technique – Scene study Level 1 – 4
Stella Adler Technique – Scene study Level 1 – 4
Method Acting Technique – Scene study Level 1 – 4
Ongoing Classes
Improvisation – Beginner and Advanced available
Accent Reduction -Voice & Speech – Level 1 & 2
Electives
Musical Theater
Stage film Combat
Additional Workshops
Acting Demo Reel
Make a Short Film
1 or 2 Day Workshops with Michelle Danner
The Golden Box: Two Day Technique Analysis with Michelle Danner
Breaking into Hollywood: The Business of Acting! – with Michelle Danner-This class is great if you’re new in town and new to the L.A. industry
To help you take the next step, I’d love to speak with you directly,
Call our acting school in LA + 1 (310) 392-0815
or on WhatsApp: + 1 (310) 392-0815 & email us at losangelesactingconservatory@gmail.com
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