Preliminary Injunction on DHS Rule to remove D/S

Sept 15, 2026

On Sept 14, 2026, a U.S. District Court in the District of Massachusetts set a preliminary injunction postponing the effective date of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security final rule titled ‘Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media’. 

This order has postponed the rule from its original effective date of September 15, 2026 while the underlying lawsuit continues and the merits of the case are evaluated.

You may see the full text of the order: HERE

Can the Final Rule still go into effect in the future?

Yes, this postponement means that the rule may eventually be implemented. The case is ongoing and there will likely be appeals and challenges to this postponement, and future rulings in the overall case. 

There is a chance the rule will go into effect in its entirety, or only specific parts of the rule will become effective. 

Please see our previous message on the announcement of the rule: Publication of DHS Rule to remove D/S

What is the ISS doing?

• ISS will continue to monitor and prepare for the possibility of the final rule to become effective at a yet unknown future date.
• ISS will continue to advise F and J visa holders regarding maintenance of their status in light of the shifting expectations of DHS.
• ISS will communicate any changes or updates to this case, and how it will affect our F and J populations.

If you have any additional questions or need of assistance, email .