What Is Trump’s Policy for International Students?
- actingschool6
- Jul 31
- 11 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 with an F-1 student visa? 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 in Los Angeles for up to three years, provided they remain eligible for F-1 status, enroll full time, make satisfactory academic progress and follow all applicable immigration requirements.
If you are considering changing schools or continuing your acting education in Los Angeles, begin the admissions and SEVIS transfer process as soon as possible. You must first be accepted by the new school before your current Designated School Official can release your SEVIS record.
Contact the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory International Admissions Team to discuss your program options and transfer timeline.
What Is Trump’s Policy for International Students?
The Trump administration’s 2026 international student policy focuses on stricter immigration oversight, fixed admission periods and more frequent federal review of F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and certain foreign media representatives.
The most significant change is the elimination of the long-standing Duration of Status, or “D/S,” framework.
Under the previous system, eligible F-1 students were generally permitted to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic program as long as they maintained lawful student status. Under the new policy, students may instead receive a specific expiration date on their Form I-94.
The Department of Homeland Security announced in July 2026 that it had issued a final rule addressing foreign student admissions. The underlying regulatory framework replaces D/S with fixed periods of admission and requires eligible students needing additional time to request an extension from the federal government.
What Are the Main Changes for International Students?
Trump’s policy for international students includes several important changes:
Fixed periods of admission for F-1 and J-1 visa holders
A general maximum initial admission period of four years
Formal USCIS applications for certain extensions of stay
A shorter post-completion grace period for affected F-1 students
More restrictions on school transfers and program changes
Greater scrutiny of repeated enrollment
Additional federal screening and monitoring
The stated purpose of the policy is to improve oversight, prevent misuse of student visa classifications and allow DHS to review whether students continue to comply with the conditions of their status.
When Does the New International Student Policy Take Effect?
The reported effective date for the final rule is September 15, 2026.
International students who are planning to transfer schools, begin a new academic program or make another significant educational change should review their options before that date.
The effect of the new rules may differ depending on whether a student:
Is already inside the United States
Enters or reenters after the effective date
Transfers to a new school
Changes educational levels
Applies for an extension of stay
Travels internationally
Applies for Optional Practical Training
Students should consult their DSO and, when appropriate, a qualified immigration attorney regarding their individual circumstances.
Can I Transfer My F-1 Visa Before September 15, 2026?
Eligible F-1 students may be able to transfer their SEVIS records from one SEVP-certified school to another.
To transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory, a student generally must:
Apply to the school.
Meet the admissions requirements.
Receive an acceptance letter.
Request a SEVIS transfer from the current school.
Select an appropriate SEVIS transfer-release date.
Receive an updated Form I-20 from the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory.
Enroll in the required full course of study.
Students frequently use the phrase “transfer my F-1 visa,” but the process is technically a SEVIS record transfer. The visa stamp inside the student’s passport is not physically transferred between schools.
SEVIS is the federal system used to track and monitor F, M and J nonimmigrants throughout their approved participation in U.S. educational and exchange programs.
Why Should Students Begin the Transfer Process Early?
An F-1 transfer cannot be completed until the student has been accepted by the new institution.
Beginning early provides time to:
Complete the school application
Submit passport and immigration documents
Provide financial evidence
Obtain an acceptance decision
Coordinate with the current DSO
Choose the correct transfer-release date
Receive an updated Form I-20
Prepare for the new program’s start date
Students should not wait until September 15, 2026 to begin their applications. Admissions review and SEVIS coordination require time.
Can Accepted Students Study in the United States for Up to Three Years?
Students admitted into an eligible Los Angeles Acting Conservatory program may pursue professional acting studies lasting up to three years.
To remain in the United States throughout the approved program, the student must continue to:
Maintain valid F-1 status
Remain enrolled full time
Attend an SEVP-certified institution
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 permission to remain in the United States for three years. The student’s lawful stay depends on continuing to satisfy all academic and immigration requirements.
What Was the Duration of Status Policy?
Under the Duration of Status system, many F-1 students entered the United States with “D/S” listed on their Form I-94 instead of a specific expiration date.
Students could generally remain in the country while they:
Attended their approved school
Maintained full-time enrollment
Made normal academic progress
Followed F-1 employment rules
Kept their SEVIS records active
Completed authorized practical training
The new policy replaces this open-ended framework with a specific authorized admission period.
What Is a Fixed Period of Admission?
Under the new policy, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors may receive a fixed admission period tied to the length of their approved program, generally not exceeding four years initially.
The student’s Form I-94 may display a specific expiration date.
This means international students must carefully monitor both:
The program end date on Form I-20 or DS-2019
The authorized-stay expiration date on Form I-94
A program end date and an immigration expiration date are not necessarily the same thing.
What Happens if a Student Needs More Time?
Students who cannot complete their programs within the authorized admission period may need to file a formal Extension of Stay application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The extension request may require:
An updated Form I-20
Proof of continued enrollment
Academic records
Evidence of satisfactory progress
Financial documentation
An explanation of why additional time is necessary
Government filing fees
Biometrics, when required
USCIS review and approval
This represents a major change from the previous framework, under which a school official could often update an eligible student’s program end date through SEVIS.
The regulatory framework provides for federal extension applications when F, J or I nonimmigrants seek to remain beyond their fixed authorized period.
Does Trump’s Policy Reduce the F-1 Grace Period?
The policy reduces the post-completion grace period for affected F-1 students from 60 days to 30 days.
The grace period is the limited period after completion of a program or eligible post-completion practical training during which a student may prepare to:
Depart the United States
Transfer to another school
Begin another eligible program
Apply to change immigration status
Take another authorized immigration action
Students are not normally authorized to work during the grace period unless they have separate employment authorization.
Because this window may be shorter, students should plan their next step before completing their programs.
Are There New Restrictions on School Transfers?
Trump’s international student policy introduces stricter limits on certain transfers and educational changes.
The regulatory framework includes restrictions that may affect students seeking to:
Transfer during the first academic year
Change educational objectives
Change graduate programs
Begin another program at the same academic level
Move to a lower educational level
Repeatedly enroll in programs to extend their stay
The proposal underlying the final policy required many students to complete their first academic year at the school that initially issued the Form I-20 unless SEVP authorized an exception. It also proposed limits on changing programs at the graduate level and beginning new programs at the same or a lower educational level.
Students should obtain current guidance from their DSO before transferring or changing programs.
How Does the Policy Affect J-1 Exchange Visitors?
J-1 exchange visitors are also affected by the transition from Duration of Status to fixed admission periods.
The policy may affect:
Research scholars
Professors
Physicians
Interns
Trainees
Specialists
Other exchange participants
J-1 programs are administered differently from F-1 student programs. J-1 participants work with their designated program sponsors rather than a school DSO for many program-related matters.
Exchange visitors in programs lasting longer than their authorized admission period may need to complete a formal federal extension process.
Does the Policy Affect OPT?
Optional Practical Training may remain available to qualifying F-1 students, but the fixed-period system could make timing more complicated.
Students considering OPT should closely monitor:
Their academic program completion date
Their OPT application window
Their requested OPT dates
Their Form I-20 recommendation
Their employment authorization document
Their Form I-94 expiration date
Any extension-of-stay requirement
Students may not begin off-campus employment until they have the required authorization.
A school transfer can also affect practical training. The DSO at the transfer-in school must review the student’s circumstances before making a new employment recommendation when one is required.
What Happens to Current International Students?
Students who are already in the United States may be covered by transition provisions.
The effect on a particular student may depend on:
The current Form I-20 program end date
The student’s most recent entry
The current Form I-94
Whether the student travels internationally
Whether the student transfers schools
Whether the student changes programs
Whether the student requests an extension
Whether the student applies to change status
Current students should not assume that every international student will receive the same transition period.
Why Did the Trump Administration Change the Rules?
The administration says the policy is intended to:
Increase oversight of international students
Prevent student visa fraud and misuse
Identify status violations more quickly
Require periodic federal review
Strengthen national security
Ensure students remain focused on legitimate educational objectives
DHS has argued that fixed admission periods will make it easier for immigration authorities to determine whether F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants remain eligible for their classifications.
Higher-education organizations and immigration advocates have raised concerns that formal extension applications could create higher costs, delays and uncertainty for legitimate students and scholars.
What Should F-1 Students Do Before September 15, 2026?
Review Your Form I-20
Make sure your name, school, program, academic level and program dates are accurate.
Check Your Form I-94
Review your electronic I-94 after every entry into the United States. Under the fixed-period system, it may contain a specific expiration date.
Speak With Your DSO
Ask how the new rules may affect your transfer, program completion, travel or practical-training plans.
Begin School Transfers Early
Complete your new-school application and receive acceptance before requesting a SEVIS transfer.
Track Immigration Deadlines
Keep a calendar that includes:
Program dates
Transfer-release dates
I-94 expiration dates
Grace periods
OPT deadlines
Extension filing deadlines
Keep Copies of Your Documents
Maintain copies of every Form I-20, passport, visa, I-94, acceptance letter, transcript, financial record and employment authorization.
Why Transfer to the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory?
The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory is an SEVP-certified acting school offering professional education for eligible international students.
Students can 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 seeking structured conservatory education in Los Angeles.
Benefits of Studying Acting in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the world’s most important centers for film, television, streaming and commercial production.
International students can benefit from:
Professional on-camera training
Audition preparation
Film and television scene work
Live performance opportunities
Industry-focused instruction
Career-development training
Exposure to the entertainment community
Opportunities to develop an acting portfolio
Students can build their craft in the same city where major entertainment projects are developed, cast and produced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trump’s policy for international students?
The 2026 policy replaces Duration of Status with fixed admission periods, increases federal oversight and requires certain students to apply to USCIS when they need additional authorized time.
Can I transfer my F-1 visa before September 15, 2026?
Eligible F-1 students may be able to transfer their active 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 satisfy 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 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 a three-year stay?
No. Acceptance makes enrollment possible, but continued lawful stay depends on the student maintaining valid F-1 status and complying with government regulations.
Do I need to leave the United States to transfer?
Many eligible F-1 students may transfer directly between SEVP-certified schools without departing the country. The correct process depends on the student’s status, SEVIS record and timing.
Is an F-1 transfer the same as obtaining a new visa?
No. The 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.
Apply to Transfer Before September 15, 2026
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 enroll in 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 office 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
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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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Stella Adler Technique – Scene study Level 1 – 4
Method Acting Technique – Scene study Level 1 – 4
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Improvisation – Beginner and Advanced available
Accent Reduction -Voice & Speech – Level 1 & 2
Electives
Musical Theater
Stage film Combat
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Make a Short Film
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