F-1 Student Overview
New rule effective Sept. 15, 2026: Fixed period of admission & extension of stay
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. government published a final rule that creates a fixed admission end date for international students who hold F-1 and J-1 visa status. This rule changes the process for these students to extend their stays in the United States and adds other restrictions limiting the students’ ability to make academic changes. Re-entry to the U.S. on or after the September 15 effective date will result in the immediate assignment of a specific Admit Unitl Date (AUD); the benefit of the D/S transition provision is eliminated after that reentry.
- Information on this webpage does not yet reflect the final rule. ISSS appreciates your understanding as we update our content to reflect changes.
- FAQs for students in F-1 status in the U.S. prior to Sept. 15, 2026
Feel free to contact ISSS with questions.
Maintaining F-1 Student Status
Your eligibility to pursue your academic program as well as opportunities for practical training, school transfers, and program changes depend on maintaining lawful status. A violation of the F-1 regulations could result in the termination of your F-1 SEVIS record and severe immigration consequences. Make sure you understand the F-1 visa requirements, and if you have any questions, contact ISSS for assistance.
Report your initial arrival at CU Boulder
- Submit the Immigration Check-In, Immigration Essentials Quiz Grade Submission, and Title IX Certificate Submission e-forms.
Maintain full-time enrollment every fall and spring semester
- Full-time enrollment is only required in the summer if it is your first or final semester
- Report your final semester to ISSS: all students enrolling in their final semester must submit the Confirmation of Final Semester e-Form, available in MyISSS portal.
Report new addresses within 10 days of every move so your SEVIS record can be updated
- Active Students: Update your address in Buff Portal
- Students on OPT: Update address in SEVP Portal and Buff Portal
Do not work without authorization or beyond allowable employment limits
- Abide by on-campus employment regulations and limitations
- Obtain prior authorization for CPT, Pre-Completion OPT, Post-Completion OPT, STEM OPT, and Severe Economic Hardship employment and comply with related reporting and unemployment rules
Keep your I-20 up-to-date
- Report all changes of biographical, degree program, and financial support information to ISSS
- Follow proper procedures for extending your I-20, changing educational levels or programs, and transferring schools
Make normal progress towards completing the course of study documented on your I-20
Maintain validity of immigration documents including passport and I-94 during stay in the U.S.
Travel with required documents for re-entry to the U.S. in student status
- Confirm whether the five-month rule applies to your situation. Speak with an ISSS advisor and submit (ISSS) Leave of Absence or Withdrawal e-form, if necessary.
Abide by F-1 grace period rules
- F-1 students have a 60-day grace period at the end of their F-1 program.
- During the grace period, you cannot take part in any studies or employment opportunities and also cannot exit and re-enter the U.S. as an F-1 student.
- If you do not complete your program, no grace period exists and you will need to depart the U.S. immediately.