The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this month proposed a rule to end “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F‑1, J‑1 and certain I visa categories and to set fixed end dates for stays tied to the student’s SEVIS record and immigration documents. D/S has long allowed many international students to remain in the US so long as they maintain active student status; if finalized, DHS’s proposal would convert that open‑ended framework into finite, document‑based end dates.
For students from Jordan and the wider Middle East, the proposal raises immediate practical concerns. A fixed‑date system could mean that visa stamps and admission documents explicitly list the final date a student may lawfully remain in the US, rather than relying on continuous enrollment. That change would increase the administrative burden on students to request program extensions, file timely transfers between schools, and coordinate Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) with Designated School Officials (DSOs) and program sponsors.
What students should do now: first, check the end date on your current I‑20 or DS‑2019 and confirm your SEVIS record is accurate. Contact your university’s international student office immediately if you plan to change programs, extend your degree, or apply for OPT—start those processes earlier than you might have before. Monitor DHS and your school’s announcements closely: rulemaking typically includes a public comment period and an eventual effective date, so any final requirements may not be immediate but could apply to new admissions or renewals.
Practical checklist: ensure your passport has ample validity beyond any new fixed visa dates; keep financial sponsorship documents up to date; request program extensions at least several months before your current end date; and document full‑time enrollment continuously. If you are planning internships or post‑completion work (OPT) coordinate with your employer and DSO to file any required applications as early as regulations and USCIS guidance permit.
This change could also affect transfer students and those taking gap periods between programs: transfers may require faster SEVIS updates, and gaps could trigger an automatic accrual toward the new fixed end date. Students should therefore avoid informal leaves of absence without written guidance from their international office.
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian applicants and current students assess how the rule would affect individual timelines, review I‑20/DS‑2019 documents, and communicate next steps with US institutions. For advice or help preparing documents and timelines, contact us via WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for a consultation.