What Are the New DHS Rules for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders?
- actingschool6
- Jul 30
- 11 min read
Transfer Your F-1 Visa 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 F-1 student visa? You may be eligible to transfer your SEVIS record to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory before the new Department of Homeland Security rules take 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, remain enrolled full time, 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. A transfer requires acceptance by the new school and coordination between the student’s current and new Designated School Officials.
Contact the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory International Admissions Team to discuss your eligibility and transfer timeline.
What Are the New DHS Rules for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders?
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule that significantly changes how F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors are admitted to and remain in the United States.
The rule was announced on July 16, 2026, published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026, and is scheduled to become effective on September 15, 2026. It replaces the long-standing “Duration of Status” system with a fixed period of admission for F, J and I nonimmigrants.
The major changes include:
Fixed admission periods
A maximum initial stay of generally four years
Formal USCIS extensions for students needing more time
A shorter post-completion grace period
Increased restrictions on transfers and program changes
Additional federal screening and oversight
These changes make it more important than ever for international students to monitor their immigration documents, academic timelines and SEVIS records.
What Was Duration of Status?
For decades, most F-1 and J-1 visa holders were admitted to the United States under a system known as Duration of Status, commonly shown as “D/S” on Form I-94.
Rather than receiving a specific expiration date, an F-1 student could generally remain in the country as long as the student:
Maintained valid immigration status
Remained enrolled in an approved program
Made normal academic progress
Followed employment restrictions
Complied with SEVP requirements
Completed any properly authorized practical training
Under the new DHS rule, many F-1 and J-1 visa holders will instead receive a specific date by which their authorized stay ends.
When Do the New DHS Rules Take Effect?
The final rule becomes effective on September 15, 2026, 60 days after its July 17 publication in the Federal Register.
Students planning to transfer schools, begin a new program or change their academic plans should review their options before that date.
The exact effect of the rule may depend on whether a student:
Is already in the United States on September 15
Enters the United States after the effective date
Transfers to another institution
Changes educational levels
Applies for an extension or change of status
Travels internationally and reenters the country
Students should review their individual circumstances with their DSO and, when necessary, a qualified immigration attorney.
Can F-1 Students Transfer Before September 15, 2026?
Eligible F-1 students may transfer their SEVIS records from one SEVP-certified institution to another after being accepted by the new school.
The student’s current DSO must release the SEVIS record to the transfer-in school on an agreed transfer-release date. The new institution can then issue an updated Form I-20 after completing its required review.
Students interested in transferring to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory should begin the process early because they must complete the school’s admissions requirements before the SEVIS transfer can be finalized.
Our International Admissions Team can assist with:
Admissions applications
Program selection
Financial documentation requirements
SEVIS transfer instructions
Coordination with the current school
Form I-20 processing
Enrollment planning
International student orientation
A school transfer is technically a SEVIS record transfer. The F-1 visa stamp inside a student’s passport is not physically transferred from one institution to another.
Can International Students Study 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 remain lawfully in the United States throughout the program, the student 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 all employment limitations
Keep required immigration documents valid
Comply with SEVIS, DHS and USCIS regulations
Admission into the school does not independently guarantee that a student may remain in the United States. However, accepted and eligible students may receive a Form I-20 for an approved program and may continue studying while properly maintaining F-1 status.
What Is the New Fixed Admission Period?
Under the new DHS system, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will generally be admitted for the length of their approved program, but not for more than an initial maximum period of four years.
Students may therefore see a specific expiration date on their electronic Form I-94 instead of “D/S.”
This means students must monitor both:
The program end date on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
The authorized expiration date on Form I-94
Students should not assume that the program end date on their school document automatically extends their authorized stay.
What Happens if a Program Takes Longer Than Four Years?
A student or exchange visitor who needs additional time beyond the authorized fixed period may have to file a formal Extension of Stay application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
This could affect people enrolled in:
Doctoral programs
Medical education
Research appointments
Long-term exchange programs
Multi-year professional education
Programs delayed by documented academic or medical circumstances
The extension process may require:
An updated Form I-20 or DS-2019
Evidence of academic progress
Proof of continued financial support
An explanation of the need for additional time
A USCIS filing fee
Background screening
Biometrics, when required
USCIS approval
Under the previous system, a DSO could often update a student’s program end date in SEVIS. Under the new framework, students who need to remain beyond their authorized admission period may also need approval directly from USCIS.
What Is Changing for the F-1 Grace Period?
The DHS final rule reduces the amount of time certain F-1 students have after completing their program.
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 post-completion grace period is reduced to 30 days for affected students.
During the applicable grace period, students may need to:
Depart the United States
Transfer to another SEVP-certified school
Begin a new eligible academic program
Apply for a change of status
Take another authorized immigration action
The grace period does not generally provide permission to work.
Are There New Restrictions on Changing Schools?
The new DHS regulations impose additional limitations and oversight on certain school transfers and academic changes.
The rule may affect students who want to:
Transfer during their first academic year
Change academic programs soon after enrollment
Repeatedly transfer between institutions
Begin another program at the same educational level
Move to a lower educational level
Continue extending their stay through repeated enrollment
Students should not make transfer or program-change decisions without first speaking with their current DSO and the prospective school.
Beginning the transfer process before September 15, 2026 may be particularly important for students who already know they want to continue their education at another institution.
How Do the New Rules Affect J-1 Visa Holders?
J-1 exchange visitors will also move from Duration of Status to a fixed period of admission.
This may affect:
Research scholars
Professors
Physicians
Interns
Trainees
Specialists
Other exchange visitors
Many J-1 programs, especially medical residencies, fellowships and long-term research programs, may extend beyond four years.
J-1 participants who need additional time may have to complete a formal extension process and meet additional federal review requirements.
J-1 participants should remain in close communication with their designated program sponsor because J-1 procedures differ from F-1 student requirements.
What Happens to Current F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders?
Individuals already present in the United States under Duration of Status will transition into the new framework according to the final rule’s transition provisions.
DHS states that current nonimmigrants under the previous D/S framework will generally transition to an authorized period capped at four years from the rule’s effective date, subject to program dates and other regulatory conditions.
A current student’s situation may depend on:
The current program end date
The most recent entry into the United States
The student’s Form I-94
Future international travel
A school transfer
A program change
An application for an extension
An application to change immigration status
Current students should not assume that every F-1 or J-1 holder will receive exactly the same transition period.
Will the New DHS Rules Affect OPT?
Optional Practical Training remains an important benefit for eligible F-1 students, but students must now pay closer attention to the relationship between:
The program completion date
The OPT application period
The requested OPT start and end dates
The Form I-20 recommendation
The Form I-94 expiration date
Any required Extension of Stay application
Students must receive proper employment authorization before beginning off-campus work.
Transferring schools can also affect existing or proposed practical training. A transfer-in DSO must review the student’s circumstances before making any new practical-training recommendation.
Why Is DHS Changing the Rules?
DHS says the fixed-period system will increase government oversight, improve national security, reduce immigration fraud and allow federal authorities to review whether students and exchange visitors continue to qualify for their status.
The government has described Duration of Status as a system that allowed some individuals to remain in the United States through repeated or prolonged enrollment without regular federal review.
Universities and international education organizations have expressed concern that the new framework could create:
Additional USCIS applications
Higher costs for international students
Longer processing times
Greater uncertainty
Possible interruptions in education or research
Administrative burdens for schools and sponsors
How Should F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders Prepare?
International students and exchange visitors should begin preparing now.
Review Your Immigration Documents
Confirm that the information on your Form I-20, DS-2019, passport and visa is accurate.
Check Your Form I-94
Review your electronic I-94 after every entry into the United States. Under the new system, it may contain a specific expiration date.
Contact Your DSO or Program Sponsor
School officials and J-1 sponsors can explain your record, reporting requirements and program procedures.
Start Transfers Early
F-1 students planning to change schools should receive acceptance and coordinate the SEVIS release date well before the intended program start.
Track Every Deadline
Keep a calendar of:
Program dates
I-94 expiration dates
Transfer deadlines
Grace periods
OPT application windows
Extension filing deadlines
Keep Copies of Every Document
Maintain copies of all Forms I-20 or DS-2019, immigration records, transcripts, acceptance letters, financial documents and employment authorizations.
Why Study at the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory?
The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory is an SEVP-certified acting school offering professional training for eligible international students.
Students can study subjects including:
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 structured conservatory training in one of the world’s leading entertainment centers.
Benefits of Studying Acting in Los Angeles
International acting students in Los Angeles can receive:
Professional on-camera training
Film and television scene experience
Audition preparation
Live performance opportunities
Industry-focused education
Career-development training
Exposure to the Los Angeles entertainment community
Opportunities to build a professional acting portfolio
Students train in a city where film, television, streaming, theater and commercial production are central industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my F-1 visa before September 15, 2026?
Eligible students may transfer their SEVIS records to another SEVP-certified school 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 I study at the school for up to three years?
Students accepted into an eligible program may study for up to three years, provided they maintain valid F-1 status and meet all academic and immigration requirements.
Do I need to leave the United States to transfer schools?
Many eligible F-1 students can transfer directly between SEVP-certified schools without leaving the United States. The correct procedure depends on the student’s status, SEVIS record and transfer timing.
Are the F-1 and J-1 rules identical?
No. Both categories are affected by the fixed-period rule, but F-1 students work with school DSOs, while J-1 exchange visitors work with designated program sponsors. Employment, extensions and program requirements also differ.
Does school acceptance guarantee that I can stay in the United States?
No. Acceptance is an important first step, but a student must also remain eligible for F-1 status and continue complying with all federal immigration requirements.
Apply to Transfer Before September 15, 2026
Students who want to continue their acting education in Los Angeles should begin the admissions and SEVIS transfer 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 the International Admissions Team
Los Angeles Acting Conservatory
10820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Contact our team to learn more about:
F-1 visa 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.
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
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