Columbia’s student visa advisory recommends that international students return to New York before classes begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The guidance comes before a DHS rule establishing fixed admission periods for F and J visa holders takes effect.
Columbia University has advised international students to return to New York before classes begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, ahead of a major change to U.S. admission rules for students and exchange visitors.
The Department of Homeland Security rule is scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. It replaces the longstanding “duration of status” framework for F and J visa holders with fixed periods of authorized stay. The Federal Register notes that the effective date could change following congressional review.
Columbia Issues International Student Return Advisory
Columbia’s International Students and Scholars Office said the final rule has a 60-day implementation period and recommended that students return before the university’s fall classes begin.
The guidance does not prohibit students from entering the United States after September 8. Instead, it is intended to reduce the possibility of students encountering unfamiliar admission procedures after the new system begins.
DHS Student Visa Rule Sets Fixed Admission Periods
Under the rule, F academic students and J exchange visitors may generally be admitted for the length of their approved program, up to a maximum of four years.
Those who need additional time would generally have to submit an extension-of-stay request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The regulations provide that an F-1 student who files a timely extension request may continue a full course of study while the application is pending.
What the Rule Means for Current Students
F and J visa holders who were admitted under duration of status and are properly maintaining their status on September 15, 2026, will receive transitional protections.
They may generally remain through the applicable program or employment-authorization end date, subject to a maximum transition period of four years from the rule’s effective date. The rule provides an additional 60-day departure period for F visa holders and 30 days for J visa holders.
Students Advised to Review Their Documents
International students planning overseas travel should review their passport, visa, Form I-20 or DS-2019 and SEVIS status before returning. Individual admission decisions remain with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.
Columbia said it would continue updating students as implementation guidance develops. Students needing more time beyond their authorized stay may also have to plan earlier for a USCIS extension application under the new system.
