DHS Final Rule Ends “Duration of Status” for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders: What International Students Need to Know
- actingschool6
- Jul 26
- 7 min read
Transfer Your F-1 Visa Before September 15, 2026 and Continue Studying Acting in Los Angeles
If you are currently studying in the United States on an F-1 student visa, now is the time to consider transferring your SEVIS record to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory before the new DHS regulations take effect on September 15, 2026.
Students who are accepted into our SEVP-certified acting school may continue studying in Los Angeles for up to three years while maintaining their F-1 status, provided they remain eligible and comply with all U.S. immigration regulations.
With the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introducing the most significant changes to international student visas in decades, planning your educational future has never been more important.
If you're looking to continue your education, transfer schools, or pursue professional acting training in Hollywood, our International Admissions Team can help guide you through the transfer process.
DHS Ends the "Duration of Status" Policy for International Students
On July 16, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule that fundamentally changes how international students and exchange visitors are admitted to the United States.
Published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026, the rule eliminates the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) policy for:
F-1 international students
J-1 exchange visitors
I visa foreign media representatives
The new regulation becomes effective on September 15, 2026.
For decades, students admitted under the D/S system could remain in the United States as long as they maintained their immigration status and continued making satisfactory progress in their academic program.
That system is now being replaced with fixed admission periods and additional federal oversight.
Can I Transfer My F-1 Visa Before September 15, 2026?
Yes.
If you currently attend another SEVP-certified school, you may be eligible to transfer your SEVIS record to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory before the new regulations become effective.
Our International Admissions Team assists eligible students with:
SEVIS transfer guidance
F-1 admissions
Form I-20 processing
Program selection
International student advising
Enrollment planning
Beginning your transfer early gives you more time to prepare before the new DHS rules take effect.
Study Acting in Hollywood for Up to Three Years
The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory offers professional acting programs designed specifically for international students.
Accepted students may study for up to three years while training in Los Angeles, provided they:
Maintain valid F-1 status
Remain enrolled full time
Meet satisfactory academic progress requirements
Continue complying with SEVP and DHS regulations
Our conservatory combines intensive actor training with personalized support for international students pursuing careers in film, television, and theater.
What Is the "Duration of Status" (D/S) Policy?
For decades, most F-1 students entered the United States with an I-94 record marked "D/S" (Duration of Status) rather than a specific expiration date.
This allowed students to remain legally in the country while:
Completing their academic program
Maintaining valid F-1 status
Following SEVP regulations
Under the new DHS rule, that system will no longer apply to future admissions governed by the regulation.
What Changes on September 15, 2026?
Beginning September 15, 2026, most newly admitted F-1 and J-1 visa holders will receive a fixed admission period instead of Duration of Status.
Their electronic I-94 record will include a specific expiration date.
Most students will be admitted for the length of their approved academic program, up to a maximum of four years.
Students who require additional time to complete their education must request permission from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Extension of Stay Will Require USCIS Approval
Students whose academic program extends beyond their authorized admission period must file an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS.
Unlike the previous system, extensions now involve a formal federal application that may include:
Government review
Background checks
Biometric collection, when required
Filing fees
USCIS approval
This shifts much of the oversight from individual schools to federal immigration authorities.
Shorter Grace Period After Graduation
The DHS rule also reduces the grace period following completion of an academic program.
Previous Rule
Students generally had 60 days after graduation to:
Transfer schools
Apply for another immigration status
Prepare to depart the United States
New Rule
For students admitted under the new system, the grace period is generally reduced to 30 days.
This makes advance planning much more important.
New Restrictions on School Transfers and Academic Changes
The final rule introduces additional oversight of academic changes.
Depending on individual circumstances, students may face new restrictions involving:
School transfers
Program changes
Educational progression
Certain changes in academic level
Students considering a transfer should work closely with both their current Designated School Official (DSO) and their prospective institution before making any decisions.
What Happens to Current International Students?
Students already studying in the United States under the previous Duration of Status framework will transition into the new system.
According to DHS, most current students will:
Continue their current academic program
Be subject to a maximum four-year authorization beginning from the rule's effective date
Need to request an Extension of Stay through USCIS if additional authorized time becomes necessary
Students should review their individual circumstances with their school's DSO.
Why Did DHS Make These Changes?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the new rule is intended to:
Increase oversight of international students
Improve national security
Reduce immigration fraud
Discourage abuse of student visa programs
Ensure students complete their educational objectives within authorized timeframes
Many universities and higher education organizations, however, have expressed concern that the new requirements may create additional administrative burdens and increase uncertainty for international students pursuing longer academic programs.
How International Students Can Prepare
With these changes approaching, international students should begin planning now.
Helpful steps include:
Review your current Form I-20
Monitor your electronic I-94 after every U.S. entry
Speak regularly with your Designated School Official
Begin transfer applications early if changing schools
Budget for possible future USCIS filing fees
Stay informed about DHS and SEVP guidance
Why Choose the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory?
The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory is an SEVP-certified institution authorized to enroll eligible international students.
Students receive professional conservatory training in:
Acting for Film & Television
Meisner Technique
Strasberg Method
Stella Adler Technique
Stanislavski Technique
Uta Hagen Technique
Scene Study
Voice & Speech
Improvisation
On-Camera Audition Technique
Career Development
Located in the heart of Hollywood's entertainment industry, our conservatory prepares actors for professional careers while supporting international students throughout their educational journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my F-1 visa before September 15, 2026?
Many eligible students attending another SEVP-certified institution may transfer their SEVIS record before the new regulations become effective. Contact our admissions office to discuss your individual eligibility.
Can I remain in the United States while transferring schools?
Many F-1 students may transfer directly between SEVP-certified schools without leaving the United States, provided they remain eligible and follow the required SEVIS transfer procedures.
Can I study for up to three years?
Students accepted into eligible programs at the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory may study for up to three years, provided they maintain valid F-1 status and continue meeting all academic and immigration requirements.
Is the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory authorized to enroll international students?
Yes. We are an SEVP-certified institution authorized to enroll eligible international students in qualifying academic programs.
Contact Our International Admissions Team
If you're currently studying in the United States and are interested in transferring your F-1 visa before September 15, 2026, our admissions team is ready 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 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.
Apply To The Best Acting Schools In The US
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
Come see why we have the best acting colleges and best performing arts colleges in America.
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