On September 14, 2026, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security’s new rule that would have ended “duration of status” on September 15, 2026. The new rule would have placed a four-year cap on international student and exchange visitor visas.
What the Court Ruling Means for You:
- Current Rules Stay Active: Because of the temporary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, previous immigration procedures remain fully in place while the lawsuit moves forward.
- No Immediate Changes: You do not need to apply for extensions through USCIS right now or worry about an immediate fixed four-year termination date on your current status. Extensions will go through WSU International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for the time being. Please understand that WSU ISSS reviews each I-20 extension request. In general, ISSS will not extend I-20s that have more than 12 months remaining until the program end date. Please note that the request must go through your Advisor as well.
We will monitor the status of this rule and continue to communicate changes to you via our regular email immigration advisory. It is possible that a higher court could reinstate the new rule in the coming days too so please maintain your vigilance and stay in touch with ISSS.
Questions? Get in touch! Email or schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with our office. For more information, visit the NAFSA: Legal Challenge to the Final Rule Ending Duration of Status (D/S) page.