New Immigration Policy Replaces “Duration of Status” With a Fixed Four-Year Period, Requiring Students to Seek Extensions
- actingschool6
- Aug 1
- 12 min read
#F1Visa #J1Visa #DurationOfStatus #ImmigrationNews #InternationalStudents #J1Physicians #USCIS #DHSFinalRule #OPT #SEVIS
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 with an active F-1 student status? You may be eligible to transfer your SEVIS record to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory before the new immigration policy takes effect on September 15, 2026.
Students accepted into an eligible program at our SEVP-certified acting school may study in Los Angeles for up to three years, provided they maintain valid F-1 status, enroll in a full course of study, make satisfactory academic progress, and follow all applicable immigration requirements.
Eligible F-1 students are permitted to transfer between SEVP-certified schools by completing the required admissions and SEVIS transfer procedures. Because acceptance and coordination with both schools take time, students interested in transferring should begin the process as early as possible.
Contact the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory International Admissions Team today to discuss your eligibility, program options, and transfer timeline.
What Is the New Immigration Policy for International Students?
The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a major immigration policy that changes how F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain I visa foreign media representatives are admitted to the United States.
Beginning September 15, 2026, the policy replaces the long-standing Duration of Status, or D/S, system with a fixed period of authorized admission. DHS published the final rule in July 2026 after first proposing the policy in 2025.
Under the new framework, affected international students may receive a specific expiration date on their electronic Form I-94 rather than being admitted for an open-ended Duration of Status.
The maximum initial period will generally be the length of the approved program, not to exceed four years. Students who need additional time may be required to submit a formal Extension of Stay application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
What Was “Duration of Status”?
Under the previous Duration of Status system, most F-1 students entered the United States with “D/S” listed on their Form I-94 rather than a specific calendar expiration date.
Students could generally remain in the United States while they:
Attended the school listed in SEVIS
Remained enrolled in a full course of study
Made normal academic progress
Followed F-1 employment rules
Kept their SEVIS records active
Completed properly authorized practical training
Otherwise maintained lawful student status
The new immigration policy replaces this system with fixed admission dates and a more formal federal extension process.
When Does the Fixed Four-Year Rule Begin?
The final rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.
Until that date, F students will generally continue to be admitted under Duration of Status. Beginning September 15, affected students will be admitted for a fixed period based on their approved program, generally for no more than four years at a time.
The effect on an individual student may depend on whether the student:
Is already in the United States
Enters or reenters after September 15
Transfers to another school
Changes academic programs
Changes educational levels
Applies for Optional Practical Training
Needs additional time to finish a program
Applies to extend or change immigration status
Students should review their circumstances with their Designated School Official and, when necessary, a qualified immigration attorney.
Can I Transfer My F-1 Status Before September 15, 2026?
Eligible F-1 students may transfer from one SEVP-certified school to another.
Students often refer to this as “transferring an F-1 visa,” but the process is technically a SEVIS record transfer. The visa stamp in the student’s passport is not physically transferred between schools.
To transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory, a student generally must:
Submit an application to the school.
Meet the admissions requirements.
Receive an acceptance decision.
Provide the required immigration and financial documents.
Request a SEVIS transfer from the current school.
Coordinate an appropriate transfer-release date.
Receive a transfer-pending Form I-20 from the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory.
Enroll in the required full course of study.
Federal guidance confirms that an F-1 student may transfer between SEVP-certified schools under the applicable transfer regulations.
Why Should International Students Begin the Transfer Process Now?
International students should not wait until September 15, 2026 to begin applying.
Before a SEVIS transfer can be completed, the student must normally receive acceptance from the new school and coordinate the transfer with both institutions.
Beginning early provides time to:
Complete the school application
Submit passport and visa documents
Provide financial evidence
Receive an admissions decision
Speak with the current DSO
Select the correct SEVIS release date
Receive a new Form I-20
Prepare for the new program’s start date
Starting early can also reduce the possibility of problems involving program dates, transfer deadlines, travel, enrollment, or a student’s SEVIS record.
Can Accepted Students Study in Los Angeles for Up to Three Years?
Students accepted into an eligible Los Angeles Acting Conservatory program may pursue a course of study lasting up to three years.
To continue studying in the United States throughout the program, the student must:
Maintain valid F-1 status
Remain enrolled full time
Attend an SEVP-certified school
Make satisfactory academic progress
Follow attendance requirements
Avoid unauthorized employment
Keep immigration documents valid
Comply with DHS, USCIS, and SEVP rules
Acceptance into the school does not independently guarantee a three-year stay in the United States. Continued lawful presence depends on the student maintaining valid F-1 status and remaining within the authorized period shown in the student’s immigration records.
What Does the Fixed Four-Year Admission Period Mean?
Under the new immigration policy, F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants will generally be admitted for the length of their approved program, up to a maximum initial period of four years.
For example:
A one-year program may result in an admission period tied to that program.
A three-year program may fit within the four-year maximum.
A five-year academic or research program may require an Extension of Stay before the fixed admission period expires.
Students must monitor both:
The program end date listed on Form I-20 or DS-2019
The authorized expiration date listed on Form I-94
These dates may not always be identical.
The Form I-94 is especially important because it records the student’s authorized admission period in the United States.
What Happens if a Student Needs More Than Four Years?
Students who need additional time beyond their authorized fixed period may be required to file a formal Extension of Stay application with USCIS.
This may affect students enrolled in:
Doctoral programs
Long-term research programs
Medical education
Multi-year exchange programs
Programs delayed by documented academic circumstances
Programs delayed by serious medical circumstances
Authorized practical training extending beyond the initial admission period
An extension request may require:
A USCIS application
An updated Form I-20 or DS-2019
Evidence of continued enrollment
Academic transcripts
Proof of satisfactory progress
Financial documentation
An explanation for the additional time
Government filing fees
Biometrics, when required
USCIS review and approval
This is a significant change from the previous system, under which a DSO could often update an eligible student’s program end date in SEVIS without a separate USCIS Extension of Stay application.
Will Students Automatically Receive Four Years?
No. Four years is generally a maximum initial admission period, not an automatic admission period for every student.
The authorized stay may be based on:
The length of the academic program
The program dates on Form I-20
The student’s passport validity
The student’s visa classification
The decision made at admission or during a change-of-status application
Other applicable regulatory limitations
A student enrolling in a three-year acting program should not assume that every immigration document will automatically show exactly three or four years.
Students should review their Form I-94 immediately after each entry into the United States.
Does the New Policy Change the F-1 Grace Period?
Yes. DHS states that the time available to certain F-1 students after completing their programs will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days under the new fixed-period framework.
The post-completion grace period allows eligible students limited time to prepare to:
Leave the United States
Transfer to another 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.
Because the new period is shorter, students should prepare their next educational or immigration step before completing their programs.
How Will the Policy Affect School Transfers?
The new policy creates additional oversight surrounding transfers, repeated enrollment, educational-level changes, and requests for additional time.
International students considering a transfer should work closely with:
Their current DSO
The transfer-in school’s DSO
The admissions office
An immigration attorney when legal advice is needed
A student’s SEVIS release date is important. After the record is transferred, the student’s previous school may no longer control the record, and employment authorization tied to the previous institution may be affected.
Federal guidance also requires students transferring into a new school to report to the new DSO within the required period connected to the program start date.
Does the New Policy Affect OPT?
Optional Practical Training may remain available to eligible F-1 students, but the fixed admission system may make planning more complicated.
Students considering OPT should monitor:
Their program completion 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 it has been properly authorized.
A school transfer may also end employment authorization connected to the previous school. Federal SEVP guidance states that after the SEVIS release date, on-campus employment is available only at the transfer-in school, subject to applicable requirements.
How Does the Policy Affect J-1 Exchange Visitors?
The policy also replaces Duration of Status with fixed admission periods for J-1 exchange visitors.
It may affect:
Research scholars
Professors
Physicians
Interns
Trainees
Specialists
Government visitors
Other exchange participants
J-1 visitors work with designated program sponsors rather than F-1 school DSOs for many program matters.
Long-term researchers, scholars, physicians, and other J-1 participants may need to seek an extension if their authorized fixed period expires before their approved exchange program ends.
Why Is DHS Replacing Duration of Status?
DHS says the new system will allow the government to conduct more regular reviews of F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa holders.
According to DHS, the policy is intended to:
Increase federal oversight
Improve national security
Reduce student visa fraud
Identify status violations
Prevent misuse of repeated academic enrollment
Require periodic review of continued eligibility
DHS has characterized the former Duration of Status framework as insufficient for monitoring how long some foreign students remained in the United States.
International education organizations have raised concerns that the new system may result in additional costs, longer processing times, greater uncertainty, and more administrative work for legitimate students and schools.
What Should F-1 Students Do Before September 15, 2026?
Review Your Form I-20
Confirm that your name, school, program, educational level, funding information, and program dates are accurate.
Check Your Electronic Form I-94
Review your I-94 after every entry into the United States. Beginning September 15, affected students may receive a specific expiration date instead of D/S.
Speak With Your DSO
Ask how the new policy could affect your program, school transfer, travel, OPT, or extension plans.
Begin Transfers Early
Students planning to change schools should complete the new-school application and receive acceptance before requesting a SEVIS transfer.
Track Every Immigration Deadline
Monitor:
Program start and end dates
SEVIS transfer dates
Form I-94 expiration dates
Grace periods
OPT 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 centers.
Benefits of Studying 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 have the opportunity to build their acting technique while studying in the same city where major entertainment projects are developed, cast, and produced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new fixed four-year immigration policy?
The policy replaces Duration of Status with a fixed admission period for F-1, J-1, and certain I visa holders. The initial admission period will generally match the approved program length but may not exceed four years.
When does the new policy take effect?
The final 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 institution after receiving acceptance and following 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 program may study for up to three years, provided they maintain valid F-1 status and satisfy all academic and immigration requirements.
Does acceptance guarantee that I can stay for three years?
No. School acceptance permits eligible students to begin the enrollment and Form I-20 process, but continued lawful stay depends on maintaining valid F-1 status and complying with federal regulations.
Is an F-1 transfer the same as obtaining a new visa?
No. A school transfer involves the student’s SEVIS record and an updated Form I-20. A visa is an entry document issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Will every student be admitted for four years?
No. Four years is generally the maximum initial period. A student may receive a shorter period based on the approved program and other applicable requirements.
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 team to learn more about:
F-1 student transfers
International 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
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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.
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Scene Study & script analysis
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Electives
Musical Theater
Stage film Combat
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