New “Duration of Status” Rule: What F-1 Students Need to Know Before September 15, 2026
- actingschool6
- Jul 27
- 12 min read
Transfer Your F-1 Status Before September 15, 2026 and Study Acting in Los Angeles for Up to Three Years
Are you currently studying in the United States in F-1 status? You may be eligible to transfer your active SEVIS record to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory before September 15, 2026.
Students accepted into an eligible program at our SEVP-certified acting school may study acting in Los Angeles 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 U.S. immigration requirements.
International students who are considering changing schools should begin the admissions and SEVIS transfer process as soon as possible. An F-1 transfer requires acceptance by the new school and coordination between the student’s current Designated School Official and the transfer-in school. Federal guidance confirms that eligible F-1 students may transfer between SEVP-certified institutions.
Contact the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory International Admissions Team now to discuss your transfer eligibility, program options, and application timeline.
What Is the New “Duration of Status” Rule?
The term “new Duration of Status rule” may be confusing because the new immigration policy actually eliminates the traditional Duration of Status system for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain I visa holders.
Under the previous system, many international students were admitted to the United States for Duration of Status, commonly shown as “D/S” on Form I-94.
The new Department of Homeland Security rule replaces D/S with a fixed period of admission. Instead of remaining authorized for as long as they maintain status and continue their approved educational program, affected students may receive a specific expiration date on Form I-94.
The final rule changes the admission period for F, J, and I classifications from Duration of Status to a fixed period and establishes a formal Extension of Stay process.
When Does the New Rule Take Effect?
The new fixed-period admission rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
This date is important for international students who are considering:
Transferring to another school
Beginning a new academic program
Changing educational levels
Traveling outside the United States
Applying for Optional Practical Training
Requesting additional time to finish a program
Students who want to transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory should not wait until September 15 to begin applying. The student must first complete the admissions process and receive acceptance before the SEVIS transfer can be finalized.
Can I Transfer My F-1 Visa Before September 15, 2026?
Eligible students may be able to transfer their F-1 SEVIS records to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory before September 15, 2026.
Students often say they want to “transfer their F-1 visa.” Technically, the process is a SEVIS record transfer. The visa stamp inside the passport is not physically transferred from one school to another.
To transfer to our acting school in Los Angeles, a student will generally need to:
Apply to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory.
Meet the school’s admissions requirements.
Receive an official acceptance.
Submit the required immigration and financial documents.
Ask the current school to release the SEVIS record.
Coordinate the correct SEVIS transfer-release date.
Receive an updated Form I-20 from the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory.
Enroll in the required full course of study.
An F-1 student may transfer between SEVP-certified schools under the federal transfer rules.
Why Should Students Transfer Before September 15, 2026?
The new fixed-period system creates additional deadlines and federal oversight for international students.
Students who already know they want to continue their education at another institution should begin the transfer process early so they have enough time to:
Complete the school application
Submit passport and immigration documents
Provide financial evidence
Receive an admissions decision
Coordinate with the current DSO
Select the correct SEVIS release date
Receive a new Form I-20
Prepare for the next program start date
Starting early does not guarantee a particular immigration result, but it can help students avoid unnecessary delays involving school admissions, SEVIS processing, travel, or enrollment deadlines.
Can Accepted Students Stay in the USA for Up to Three Years?
Students accepted into an eligible program at the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory may pursue professional acting studies lasting up to three years.
To remain in the United States during the program, students must continue to:
Maintain valid F-1 status
Attend an SEVP-certified institution
Enroll in a full course of study
Make satisfactory academic progress
Follow school attendance policies
Avoid unauthorized employment
Keep their passport and immigration documents valid
Follow all SEVIS, DHS, and USCIS requirements
Acceptance into the school does not independently guarantee permission to remain in the United States for three years. However, eligible students accepted into an approved program may receive a Form I-20 reflecting the authorized course of study and may continue studying while properly maintaining F-1 status.
What Did Duration of Status Mean?
Under the traditional Duration of Status framework, many F-1 students had “D/S” listed on their Form I-94 instead of a specific expiration date.
Duration of Status generally covered the time during which an F-1 student was:
Pursuing a full course of study
Making normal progress toward completion
Maintaining a valid SEVIS record
Following F-1 employment restrictions
Completing authorized practical training
Remaining otherwise compliant with student-status rules
The existing federal regulation defines Duration of Status as the period during which an F-1 student pursues a full course of study, participates in authorized practical training, and receives the applicable period to prepare for departure or transfer.
How Does the Fixed Admission Period Work?
Under the new system, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will generally be admitted for the length of their approved program, subject to a maximum initial admission period.
For many students, that maximum period will be up to four years.
Students may therefore receive a specific expiration date on Form I-94 instead of “D/S.”
International students will need to 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 the same.
A student should review the electronic Form I-94 after every entry into the United States. CBP currently identifies F-1 and J-1 as classifications that may be admitted for Duration of Status, which illustrates the system the new rule is replacing.
Will Every Student Automatically Receive Four Years?
No. Four years is generally the maximum initial admission period, not an automatic period granted to every international student.
The length of a student’s authorized admission may depend on:
The approved program length
The program dates on Form I-20
Passport validity
Visa classification
The immigration decision made at entry
The terms of an approved change-of-status application
Other regulatory limitations
For example, a student admitted to an approved three-year acting program may receive an admission period connected to that program rather than automatically receiving the maximum four years.
What Happens if a Student Needs More Time?
Students who need to remain in the United States beyond their fixed authorized period may have to apply directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an Extension of Stay.
The extension process may require:
A formal USCIS application
An updated Form I-20 or DS-2019
Academic records
Evidence of satisfactory progress
Proof of continued financial support
An explanation of the need for more time
Government filing fees
Biometrics, when required
USCIS review and approval
This is one of the most important differences between the old Duration of Status system and the new fixed-period framework.
Under the previous structure, a DSO could often extend an eligible student’s program end date through SEVIS. Under the new system, a student whose authorized admission period is ending may also need approval from USCIS.
Does the New Rule Change the F-1 Grace Period?
The new policy also reduces the post-completion grace period for affected F-1 students.
Under the previous framework, eligible F-1 students generally had a 60-day grace period after completing their academic program or authorized post-completion practical training.
Under the new fixed-period system, the grace period is reduced to 30 days.
During the applicable grace period, a student may need to:
Prepare to leave the United States
Transfer to another SEVP-certified school
Begin another eligible program
Apply to change immigration status
Take another authorized immigration action
Students are generally not permitted to work during the grace period unless they have separate employment authorization.
Will the Rule Affect School Transfers?
The new policy introduces additional federal oversight of school transfers, academic changes, and repeated enrollment.
International students considering a transfer should speak with both:
The DSO at their current school
The DSO at the transfer-in school
The student’s SEVIS transfer-release date is especially important because it determines when control of the student’s record moves to the new institution.
Federal guidance also requires transferring F-1 students to report to the DSO at the new school within the required period connected to the new program start date.
After the SEVIS release date, on-campus employment connected to the previous school generally ends, and qualifying on-campus employment is available only at the transfer-in school.
Does the Rule Affect Optional Practical Training?
Optional Practical Training may remain available to qualifying F-1 students, but students will need to monitor their immigration dates carefully.
Students considering OPT should review:
Their academic program end date
Their OPT application window
Their requested employment dates
The OPT recommendation on Form I-20
Their Employment Authorization Document
Their Form I-94 expiration date
Any Extension of Stay requirement
Students may not begin off-campus employment unless they have received the required authorization.
A school transfer can also affect practical training or employment authorization connected to the previous school.
How Does the Rule Affect J-1 Visa Holders?
The new fixed-period policy also applies to J-1 exchange visitors.
This may affect:
Research scholars
Professors
Physicians
Interns
Trainees
Specialists
Government visitors
Other exchange participants
J-1 exchange visitors generally work with their designated program sponsors rather than an F-1 school DSO.
Those participating in longer exchange programs may need to apply for an extension if their authorized fixed period expires before the program ends.
SEVIS is used to track and monitor both international students and J-1 exchange visitors throughout their participation in approved programs.
What Should F-1 Students Do Before September 15, 2026?
Review Your Form I-20
Confirm that your name, school, program, educational level, financial information, and program dates are correct.
Check Your Form I-94
Review your electronic I-94 after every entry into the United States. Under the new rule, affected students may receive a specific expiration date rather than “D/S.”
Speak With Your DSO
Ask how the new policy may affect your transfer, program completion, travel, OPT, or extension plans.
Begin School Transfers Early
Students planning to change schools should complete the admissions process and receive acceptance before requesting a SEVIS transfer.
Track Every Deadline
Monitor:
Program start and end dates
SEVIS transfer-release dates
Form I-94 expiration dates
Grace periods
OPT application deadlines
Extension filing deadlines
Passport and visa expiration dates
Keep Copies of Your Records
Maintain copies of:
Every Form I-20
Passport identification page
Visa stamp
Form I-94
Acceptance letters
Transcripts
Financial documents
Tuition records
Employment authorizations
Communications with school officials
Why Transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory?
The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory offers professional acting education for eligible international students seeking structured training 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 actors who want to develop their craft while studying in one of the world’s leading entertainment capitals.
Why Study Acting in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is internationally recognized as a center for film, television, streaming, theater, commercials, and digital media.
International acting students may benefit from:
Professional on-camera training
Film and television scene work
Audition preparation
Live performance opportunities
Industry-focused instruction
Professional portfolio development
Career preparation
Exposure to the Los Angeles entertainment community
Students can develop their acting skills in the same city where major entertainment projects are written, cast, produced, and filmed.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Duration of Status Rule
What is the new Duration of Status rule?
The new policy replaces the traditional Duration of Status system with fixed periods of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain I visa holders.
When does the new rule take effect?
The final rule is scheduled to take 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 institution after receiving acceptance and completing the required transfer procedures.
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 allows an eligible student to begin the enrollment and Form I-20 process. Continued lawful stay depends on maintaining valid F-1 status and complying with federal requirements.
Will every student receive four years?
No. Four years is generally a maximum initial admission period. Students may receive a shorter period based on the length of their program and other applicable requirements.
Is an F-1 transfer the same as receiving a new visa?
No. A school transfer involves moving the student’s SEVIS record and issuing an updated Form I-20. A visa is an entry document issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Apply to Transfer Before September 15, 2026
International students who want to continue their acting education in Los Angeles should begin the admissions process now.
Accepted and eligible students may transfer their 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 Our International Admissions Team
Los Angeles Acting Conservatory
10820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Phone and WhatsApp: +1 (310) 392-0815
Contact our admissions team to learn more about:
F-1 student 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
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