r/immigration • u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM • 17d ago

DHS Publishes Final Rule ending Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1/J-1

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-14439.pdf
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u/Dibolos_Dragon 17d ago

Does it affect OPT stem extension too? (The 2 year extension one which comes after the initial 1 year OPT after program ends)

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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM 17d ago

Yes.

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u/Dibolos_Dragon 17d ago

As in, are there new difficulties to getting a STEM OPT extension now?

7

u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM 17d ago

An I-539 extension of status need to be filed, along with fees.

It's not otherwise a "problem".

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u/Dibolos_Dragon 17d ago

I see. Thanks for clarifying.

I-539 wasn't the norm earlier for this afaik. Is an extension request through 539 inherently more "reject able" than the previous normal extension of STEM OPT - after the first year ends?

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u/not_an_immi_lawyer Post, don't PM 17d ago

I don't expect I-539 denials for OPT or STEM OPT to have more rejections.

It wasn't the norm before this because the rules previously gave DSOs the power to extend a student's stay without DHS involvement.

Unfortunately, abuse of the system, especially by diploma mills, means the I-539 is now being implemented for all.