Trump Administration Has Finalized New Visa Rules
- actingschool6
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
#F1Visa #J1Visa #DurationOfStatus #ImmigrationNews #InternationalStudents #J1Physicians #USCIS #DHSFinalRule #OPT #SEVIS
F-1 Students May Transfer to Our Los Angeles Acting School Before September 15, 2026
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 study 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 U.S. immigration requirements.
Students often describe this process as “transferring an F-1 visa.” Technically, the student transfers their SEVIS record 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, submit the required documents, and coordinate with their current school, anyone interested in transferring should begin the process as soon as possible.
Contact International Admissions
Los Angeles Acting Conservatory
10820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Phone and WhatsApp: +1 (310) 392-0815
What Are the New Trump Administration Visa Rules?
The Trump administration has finalized new visa rules that change how F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain other nonimmigrants are admitted to the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security published the final rule on July 17, 2026. It is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Until that date, F students generally continue to be admitted for Duration of Status.
Under the previous system, many F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants were admitted for Duration of Status, commonly shown as “D/S” on Form I-94.
The new rule replaces Duration of Status with a fixed period of admission. For many international students and exchange visitors, the initial admission period will be connected to the approved program but will not exceed four years.
Students who need additional time beyond their authorized period may be required to request an Extension of Stay from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
When Do the New F-1 Visa Rules Take Effect?
The new rules take effect on September 15, 2026.
This date is particularly important for international students considering:
Transferring to another school
Beginning a new academic program
Changing educational levels
Traveling outside the United States
Extending their academic program
Applying for practical training
Remaining beyond the expiration date on Form I-94
DHS guidance states that F students will continue to be admitted for Duration of Status until September 15, 2026. Beginning on that date, affected students will be admitted for a fixed period instead.
Students interested in transferring to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory should begin the admissions process well before the effective date.
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 completing the required transfer process.
An F-1 school transfer generally involves:
Applying to the new school.
Meeting its admissions requirements.
Receiving an official acceptance.
Submitting passport and immigration documents.
Providing evidence of financial support.
Requesting a SEVIS transfer from the current school.
Selecting an appropriate SEVIS transfer-release date.
Receiving a transfer-pending Form I-20.
Enrolling in the required full course of study.
ICE confirms that an F-1 student may transfer between SEVP-certified schools under the federal school-transfer regulations.
The exact process depends on the student’s current SEVIS status, academic calendar, travel plans, employment authorization, and intended program start date.
Why Should International Students Start the Transfer Process Now?
A student cannot normally complete a SEVIS transfer until they have been accepted by the new institution.
Starting early gives the student and both schools enough time to:
Review the admissions application
Verify immigration documents
Evaluate financial evidence
Coordinate with the current DSO
Select the correct transfer-release date
Issue an updated Form I-20
Prepare for the new program’s start date
Waiting until September 15, 2026 could create complications involving enrollment deadlines, travel, employment authorization, or the student’s SEVIS record.
Can Accepted Students Study in the United States 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.
A three-year course of study falls within the new rule’s general four-year maximum period. However, the student’s actual authorized stay will depend on their individual immigration records, Form I-20, Form I-94, passport validity, and continued maintenance of F-1 status.
To remain lawfully enrolled throughout the program, students must:
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 their passport and immigration records valid
Follow DHS, USCIS, SEVP, and school requirements
Acceptance into the school does not independently guarantee permission to remain in the United States for three years. However, accepted and eligible students may pursue a program lasting up to three years while properly maintaining F-1 status.
What Was Duration of Status?
Under the previous immigration framework, many F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted for Duration of Status.
Instead of receiving a specific expiration date, the student’s Form I-94 generally showed “D/S.”
Duration of Status allowed an eligible student to remain in the United States while the student:
Pursued a full course of study
Made normal progress toward program completion
Maintained an active SEVIS record
Followed F-1 employment restrictions
Participated only in properly authorized practical training
Otherwise complied with the conditions of student status
The new rule replaces this open-ended framework with fixed admission periods and a federal Extension of Stay procedure.
What Does a Fixed Admission Period Mean?
Under the new system, many F and J nonimmigrants will receive a specific expiration date on Form I-94.
The admission period will generally be based on the length of the approved academic or exchange program, but it will not exceed four years for many students and exchange visitors.
International students will need to monitor two important dates:
The program end date on Form I-20
The authorized expiration date on Form I-94
These dates may not always be identical.
An updated Form I-20 may document a school or program change, but students should not assume that it automatically extends the authorized period recorded on Form I-94.
Will Every International Student Receive Four Years?
No. Four years is generally a maximum admission period, not an automatic period granted to every student.
The actual authorized period may depend on:
The length of the approved program
The dates listed 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 decision made at the port of entry
Other federal requirements
For example, a student accepted into an approved three-year acting program may receive an authorized period connected to that program rather than automatically receiving four full years.
What Is Form I-94?
Form I-94 is the official arrival and departure record that shows a nonimmigrant’s authorized period of admission.
Under the former Duration of Status system, many F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants had “D/S” recorded on Form I-94. CBP identifies F-1 and J-1 among the classifications that have traditionally been admitted for Duration of Status.
Under the new system, affected international students may receive a specific expiration date.
Students should review their electronic Form I-94 after every entry into the United States and contact their DSO if any information appears incorrect.
What Happens if an International Student Needs More Time?
A student who cannot complete an academic program before the fixed admission period expires may need to apply for an Extension of Stay.
The application may require:
A USCIS filing
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 needed
Government filing fees
Biometrics, when required
USCIS approval
This is one of the most significant changes introduced by the Trump administration’s new visa rules.
Under the previous system, an eligible F-1 student could often work with a DSO to extend the program end date in SEVIS. Under the fixed-period system, a student whose authorized admission period is ending may also need approval directly from USCIS.
How Will the Rules Affect Current F-1 Students?
The effect on students already in the United States may depend on the rule’s transition provisions and each student’s individual circumstances.
Important factors 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 change in educational level
International travel
A practical-training application
A request for additional program time
An application to change status
Current students should not assume that every F-1 student will receive the same expiration date or transition period.
Students should consult their DSO and, when necessary, a qualified immigration attorney.
How Will the New Rules Affect School Transfers?
The new fixed-period system places greater importance on transfer timing, program dates, and the student’s Form I-94 expiration date.
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 institution
An immigration attorney when legal advice is needed
The SEVIS transfer-release date determines when control of the student’s record moves from the current school to the new institution.
ICE guidance states that F-1 students transferring to a new school must report to the transfer-in DSO no later than 15 days after the new program’s start date.
Can an F-1 Transfer Affect Employment?
Yes. A school transfer may affect employment authorization connected to the student’s previous school.
After the SEVIS transfer-release date, a student generally cannot continue working in on-campus employment at the previous institution.
Students participating in Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, or another form of authorized employment should speak with their DSO before transferring.
The student should understand how the transfer may affect:
Current on-campus employment
CPT authorization
OPT authorization
Employment start and end dates
The student’s SEVIS record
Unauthorized employment can result in a violation of F-1 status.
Do the New Visa Rules Affect Optional Practical Training?
Optional Practical Training may remain available to eligible F-1 students, but the fixed-period system makes careful planning more important.
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 cannot begin off-campus employment without the required authorization.
A school transfer may also end or affect practical training connected to the previous institution.
How Do the Rules Affect J-1 Exchange Visitors?
The new fixed-period rule also applies to 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 rather than an F-1 school DSO.
SEVIS tracks and monitors F, M, and J nonimmigrants 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 rules, a specific expiration date may control the length of your authorized stay.
Speak With Your DSO
Ask how the rule may affect your transfer, program completion, travel, employment authorization, or Extension of Stay plans.
Begin Your Transfer Early
Complete the new school’s application and receive acceptance before asking your current school to transfer 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 expiration
Visa expiration
Keep Copies of Your Records
Maintain copies of:
Every Form I-20
Passport identification page
Visa stamp
Form I-94
Acceptance letters
Academic transcripts
Financial documents
Employment authorizations
Communications with school officials
Why Transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory?
The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory offers structured professional acting education for eligible international students seeking 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 entertainment.
Why Study Acting in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is one of the world’s leading centers 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 experience
Industry-focused instruction
Professional portfolio development
Career preparation
Exposure to the Los Angeles entertainment community
Students can develop their acting craft in the same city where major entertainment projects are written, cast, produced, and filmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new visa rules has the Trump administration finalized?
The Trump administration has finalized a DHS rule replacing Duration of Status with fixed admission periods for F students, J exchange visitors, and certain other nonimmigrants.
When do the new rules take effect?
The new fixed-period rules 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 school after receiving acceptance and completing the required 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 accepted 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 school acceptance guarantee a three-year stay?
No. Acceptance permits an eligible student to begin enrollment and Form I-20 processing. Continued lawful stay depends on properly maintaining F-1 status and remaining within the authorized admission period.
Will every international student receive four years?
No. Four years is generally the maximum admission period. The actual authorized period may be shorter and may depend on the approved program and the student’s immigration documents.
Is transferring an F-1 visa the same as obtaining a new visa?
No. A school transfer involves transferring 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 interested in continuing their acting education 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 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.
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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