Law Offices of Pejman Behkar, APCImmigration & Nationality LawConsultations in English, Español and فارسی (Farsi)
F-1 student status, OPT, and travel
D/S did not end on September 15. The September 14 court order postponed the fixed-admission rule nationwide. Students still need to review their individual status, travel, school, and employment obligations.
Important: Updated September 15, 2026: The court postponed the rule; it has not been permanently canceled. This corrects our earlier September 15 deadline guidance. AILA also reports that the related I-539/I-765 edition changes are paused. Direct USCIS confirmation could not be retrieved today.
Who this service is for
How the firm approaches the matter
These are general considerations, not a conclusion about any person's eligibility or likely outcome.
Bring your current I-20 or DS-2019, I-94, EAD, notices, and travel plans. The earlier fixed-admission transition dates and shortened departure period described on this page are not current instructions under the postponed rule.
AILA reports that the new I-539 and I-765 editions did not become mandatory on September 15 because of the injunction. Verify the currently accepted edition with USCIS before submission. A form change and the need to file are separate questions.
The F-1 consultation remains $550 for 30 minutes. Review your current status and plans with the attorney before travel, OPT filings, a school change, or an H-1B transition. Representation for a filing or other matter requires a separate written engagement agreement.
Prepare for a focused consultation
Do not delay an urgent consultation merely because a record is unavailable. Tell the office what exists and what is missing.
Questions people ask before calling
No. The court postponed the rule nationwide. This is temporary relief, not a final cancellation.
No. The postponed rule does not create that filing requirement. Existing status, school, employment, and individual filing obligations still need review.
The answer depends on your documents and circumstances. Have your I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, EAD, travel plans, and relevant notices reviewed before taking action.
An F-1 student with an unexpired EAD for post-completion practical training may return after a temporary trip to resume employment if otherwise admissible. The regulation requires the EAD together with a Form I-20 endorsed for reentry by the designated school official within the previous six months.
Important qualification: This does not answer every travel situation. A pending OPT or STEM-extension application, an expired EAD, a change in employment, or another status issue calls for a separate review. Possessing documents does not guarantee admission.
Prepare for a travel review:
Ask your school’s designated school official to review the school record before travel. An attorney can assess how your immigration history, application stage and employment affect the planned trip. Use the office’s secure document-submission process.
Sources: 8 CFR §214.2(f)(13)(ii)
Official resources
Government pages can explain general procedures, but they do not replace advice based on a complete record.