Maintaining Student Status
International students to maintain their lawful F-1/J-1 immigration status while in the U.S. Failure to do so may have serious implications on one's stay in the U.S. and ability to return in the future.
Important Announcement:
On September 14 at about 5:00pm,, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a nationwide order pausing the D/S rule from going into effect on September 15, 2026. This is not a final ruling but allows the lawsuit to continue in courts. At this time, the current immigration regulations governing F-1 and J-1 visa holders remain unchanged.
ISSS will continue to provide updates that may impact the Babson international student community.
The Proposed Rule to End Duration of Status (D/S) originally announced on August 28, 2025, was finalized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Updated September 15, 2026
How to Maintain F-1/J-1 Status
- Attend only the college/university listed on your Form I-20(F-1)/ Form DS-2019 (J-1)
- Complete check-in: new international students (including students transferring in, pursuing a second degree at Babson or who returning from a leave of absence) must complete the Immigration Check-In through myISSS.
- Report address or phone number changes within 10 days after a change occurs through Workday Student.
- Enroll full-time as defined by your program and within online course limitations.
- Maintain a valid passport at all times and ensure your U.S. immigration documents are in order before re-entry to the U.S., including having a valid travel signature.
- Receive the appropriate employment authorization before engaging in any employment while in the U.S.
- Maintain adequate health insurance and documentation (J-1 & J-2 dependent requirement)
- Follow transfer from Babson procedures
- Apply for program extension prior to the end date on your Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) if unable to complete your studies by this date
Understanding your Program End Date & Grace Period
Your program completion date is the last day of final exams in your final term, as indicated in the Academic Calendar based on your education level. You are permitted to remain in the U.S. lawfully until the completion of your studies plus a designated period of time after your program completion date; this is called a "grace period." Note: an estimated completion date may be listed on your Form I-20/Form DS-2019
- F-1 students have a 60-day grace period following the end of the program of study or after an authorized Post-Completion OPT. Upon completion of a program, students may use the grace period to depart the U.S., continue studies (transfer out or change of education level) or apply for Post-Completion OPT.
- J-1 students have a 30-day grace period following the end of their program of study or Post-Completion Academic Training (AT). Any transfer or post-completion Academic Training request must be processed BEFORE the Form DS-2019 end date.