Big Student Visa (F-1) Regulation Update 2026

Immigration Lawyer John Khosravi breaks down the biggest overhaul to F-1 student visa rules in over 45 years, announced by the Department of Homeland Security and taking effect September 15, 2026. In this video, John covers the top 7 changes every current and future international student needs to know: the end of "Duration of Status," the new 4-year cap on stay, the shortened 30-day grace period, the shift to mandatory Form I-539 extensions, changes to OPT work permit filings, the new 24-month cap on language school programs, and tighter restrictions on changing schools or majors. If you're an F-1 student, plan to become one, or know someone who is, this is essential viewing before these rules reshape how student status works in the U.S. Note: this video is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized legal advice. 👉 [FREE E-book] Ultimate Marriage Green Card Guide Download the No-Cost Guide here: https://www.MarriageImmigrationLaw.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Major DHS rule change for F-1 students 01:07 – #1: Effective September 15, 2026 & grandfathering of existing students 02:03 – #2: The end of "Duration of Status" (D/S) explained 03:15 – How unlawful presence and the 3/10-year bars work 04:10 – New 4-year cap and checking your I-94 end date 05:00 – #3: Grace period cut from 60 to 30 days 06:00 – #4: Extension of Status now requires Form I-539 07:00 – OPT work permits now also require an I-539 filing 08:00 – #5: 24-month lifetime cap on language school programs 09:00 – #6: Unlawful presence becomes easier to calculate 09:30 – #7: New restrictions on changing schools and majors 10:15 – Closing thoughts & how to get legal help ⚖️ Thinking of getting a lawyer? Schedule a consultation with me!  (Fees apply.) GO HERE: JQKLaw.com/Contact 🔥 Got burning Immigration questions? Catch my LIVE Q&A, Tuesdays @ 4-4:30 PM Pacific Time on: 📤 Share this video: https://youtu.be/Orn_u3yOpHI Consult with an attorney in private about your case. This is general education only. Results vary. This is an attorney advertisement. Information is subject to change. #F1Visa #StudentVisa #ImmigrationLaw #DHS #USCIS #OPT #InternationalStudents #ImmigrationAttorney #ImmigrationNews #VisaRegulations #StudentVisaUSA #ImmigrationLawyer #JQKLaw #USCIS #GreenCard #ImmigrationNews #ImmigrationLawyer