New Fixed Stay Rules for F-1 Students, J-1 Exchange Visitors, and I Visa Holders: What Changes on September 15, 2026
A major DHS rule is changing how long many F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa holders may remain in the United States. Instead of being admitted for “duration of status,” many will receive a specific expiration date on Form I-94, making it more important than ever to monitor immigration deadlines and file extensions on time.
The rule also introduces new limits affecting program length, extensions, travel, and grace periods. Students and exchange visitors should carefully review their I-94, program documents, and any upcoming travel or status changes to avoid unintended immigration consequences.
Read more about F-1 and J-1 Fixed Stay Rules, I-94 Deadlines, and Status Changes
What You Need to Know Before Filing for a Family Member
Family-based immigration may seem straightforward, but an approved family relationship alone does not guarantee a green card. Before filing, families should carefully review visa availability, adjustment or consular-processing eligibility, prior immigration history, financial requirements, and potential inadmissibility issues.
The article also explains important issues such as the new public charge rule, Affidavit of Support requirements, marriage-fraud concerns, and other legal problems that can affect a family petition. A careful review before filing can help identify risks and determine the correct immigration strategy.
Read more about Family Petitions, Green Cards, and What to Review Before Filing
Marriage Green Card Interview Questions: More Than 70 Examples
A marriage-based green card interview can be short and straightforward or involve detailed questions about the couple’s relationship, home, finances, immigration history, and daily life. USCIS uses the interview to verify the information in the case and determine whether the marriage was entered into in good faith.
The article includes more than 70 realistic interview questions and explains how couples can prepare by reviewing their forms, updating bona fide marriage evidence, organizing required documents, and focusing on truthful, consistent answers rather than memorized responses.
Read more about Marriage Green Card Interview Questions and How to Prepare
SUCCESS STORIES
Real Results in Complex Immigration Cases
At the Law Office of Alena Shautsova, we help clients navigate difficult immigration matters through careful legal analysis, strategic advocacy, and personalized representation. Here are two examples of recent case outcomes.
Cancellation of Removal Case Moves Forward After Inadmissibility Charge Withdrawn
A lawful permanent resident facing removal proceedings was pursuing cancellation of removal when the government attempted to add a new controlled-substance inadmissibility charge. Attorney Alena Shautsova challenged the additional charge, arguing that the cited ground of inadmissibility did not apply under the client’s circumstances.
The Immigration Court agreed with the legal argument, and the government withdrew the additional charge, allowing the client to continue pursuing cancellation of removal.
Asylum Applicant Receives Work Permit After Motion Restarts the EAD Clock
An asylum applicant came to our office after his employment authorization application was denied because his asylum EAD clock had stopped following a prior court adjournment.
Our office prepared the case for the next Immigration Court hearing, submitted the necessary asylum materials, and filed a motion asking the Immigration Judge to restart the clock. The clock was subsequently restarted, and the client was able to receive his employment authorization document (EAD) shortly afterward.
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ASYLUM LIBRARY
Navigating the U.S. asylum process can be complicated. Our Asylum Library provides access to legal resources, case information, and materials that can help readers better understand important asylum issues and developments. The library is also linked from the firm’s main Asylum resources page.
COUNTRY CONDITIONS LIBRARY
Country conditions evidence can play an important role in asylum and other humanitarian immigration cases. Our Country Conditions Library includes articles and resources addressing political persecution, religious freedom, violence, discrimination, and other human-rights issues in countries around the world.
Explore the Country Conditions Library →
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