On August 10, 2026, pursuant to a final rule establishing a fixed period of admission for exchange visitors (J-1 nonimmigrants), international students (F-1 nonimmigrants), and others, the Department of State (DOS) issued guidance for J exchange visitor sponsors with respect to completion of Form DS-2019 and maintaining accurate Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records.
Among other things, Guidance Directive: 2026-01, Final Rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission for Exchange Visitors (J Nonimmigrants) states:
Effective September 15, 2026, all new and continuing exchange visitors who enter the United States or change to J status on or after that date will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD). The AUD marks the last day the exchange visitor is authorized to remain in the United States in J status; this period cannot exceed four years. Exchange visitors who need additional time beyond their AUD to complete program objectives must apply to [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services] for an extension of stay via the Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status or depart the United States and apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry with a valid Form DS-2019 and U.S. visa.
The guidance states that it must be followed for new exchange visitors and for those continuing their program on or after the effective date (September 15, 2026). For exchange visitors on a program authorized before September 15, 2026, the guidance advises sponsors to review the Program End Date in SEVIS to confirm that it reflects the date the exchange visitor is expected to complete the program. If the Program End Date does not reflect that date, sponsors must add an Expected Completion Date in Field 4, following the requirements set forth in the guidance.
