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• DHS Finalizes End of Duration of Status for F, J, and I Visa Holders
• USCIS Rescinds 2022 Public Charge Regulation
• Employers Should Review TPS Work Authorization Before July 22
• UK to Open Final India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot for 2026
• Ireland Extends Temporary Residence Renewal Measures

DHS Finalizes End of Duration of Status for F, J, and I Visa Holders

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a sweeping regulation replacing the longstanding Duration of Status (D/S) admission framework for most F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain I visa holders with fixed periods of admission. The rule takes effect September 17, 2026, and represents one of the most significant changes to student and exchange visitor immigration policy in decades.

Under the new framework, many F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants will be admitted for the length of their approved program, up to a maximum of four years, followed by a 30-day grace period. Individuals whose programs extend beyond their authorized stay will generally be required to file an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before their I-94 expires.  Certain I visa holders will also be admitted for fixed periods of up to 240 days.

The change is expected to increase compliance responsibilities for employers, universities, hospitals, research institutions, and media organizations that rely on international talent. Organizations should begin preparing by:

• Identifying employees and trainees in F, J, and I classifications
• Tracking I-94 expiration dates rather than relying on Duration of Status admissions
• Planning extension filings well before status expiration
• Reviewing I-9 and onboarding procedures for affected employees

DHS stated that the rule is intended to strengthen immigration oversight, improve program integrity, and reduce visa overstays.

Impact: The end of Duration of Status will fundamentally change how many international students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives maintain lawful status in the United States. Employers and educational institutions should begin updating compliance procedures now to minimize status gaps, avoid employment disruptions, and ensure timely extension filings once the rule takes effect.

USCIS Rescinds 2022 Public Charge Regulation

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule rescinding the 2022 public charge regulation, marking a significant change in how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will evaluate whether certain applicants for visas, admission, or adjustment of status are likely to become a public charge. The new rule takes effect on September 18, 2026.

According to DHS, rescinding the 2022 rule restores broader officer discretion to consider all relevant factors when making public charge determinations, rather than limiting consideration to a narrower set of public benefits. 

As part of the implementation, USCIS will publish an updated edition of Form I 485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Beginning on the rule’s effective date, older editions of the form will no longer be accepted. Applicants planning to file adjustment of status applications should ensure they are using the correct version of the form and review the revised filing requirements before submission.

Impact: The new rule signals increased scrutiny of public charge considerations in adjustment of status and other immigration benefit adjudications. Individuals planning to apply for permanent residence should review the updated requirements carefully and ensure their applications fully address the factors USCIS may consider under the revised policy.

Employers Should Review TPS Work Authorization Before July 22

Employers with workers authorized under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) should review their Form I-9 records to determine whether employment authorization reverification will be required by July 22, 2026. Recent changes to federal law have shortened the maximum period for automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extensions, meaning some employees who previously appeared authorized through late August 2026 may instead lose work authorization earlier.

Previously, many TPS beneficiaries who timely filed Form I-765 renewal applications before October 30, 2025, qualified for a 540-day automatic EAD extension. Legislation enacted in 2025 now limits automatic extensions to the earlier of one year from the renewal filing date or the end of the individual’s TPS designation.

As a result, some TPS beneficiaries may lose work authorization on July 22, 2026, unless they have received a new EAD or other valid employment authorization.

Employers should take proactive steps by:

• Identifying employees working under TPS based employment authorization
• Reviewing whether a new EAD has been issued
• Determining whether reverification is required by July 22, 2026
• Reviewing E Verify notifications, if enrolled, for employees with updated work authorization dates

Employers not enrolled in E-Verify should independently review Form I-9 records, as they will not receive automated reminders.

Impact: This change may cause certain TPS employees to lose work authorization earlier than anticipated. Proactively reviewing Form I-9 records can help employers avoid unauthorized employment and ensure timely reverification.

UK to Open Final India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot for 2026

The United Kingdom has announced that the second and final ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme will open on July 21, 2026, and close on July 23, 2026. The program provides eligible Indian nationals to live, work, and study in the UK for up to two years.

 Eligible applicants must be Indian citizens ages 18 to 30, hold at least a bachelor’s degree, meet minimum financial requirements, and have no dependent children under 18 living with or financially supported by them. Entry into the ballot is free, but individuals selected must submit a visa application within 90 days, complete biometrics, and pay the applicable visa and immigration health surcharge fees.

The UK has allocated 3,000 places under the program for 2026, with the majority awarded during the February ballot. The remaining places will be distributed through this final July application window.

The India Young Professionals Scheme is part of the broader UK-India Mobility and Migration Partnership and offers a streamlined route for eligible young professionals seeking international work experience. Unlike the UK’s broader Youth Mobility Scheme, the India-specific program requires applicants to meet educational qualification requirements.

Impact: With only one ballot remaining for 2026, eligible applicants should prepare in advance to ensure they meet the program requirements and submit their entry during the limited application window. Employers recruiting early-career international talent may also benefit from understanding this pathway as part of broader global mobility planning.

Ireland Extends Temporary Residence Renewal Measures

Ireland has extended temporary measures to help foreign nationals affected by ongoing delays in Irish Residence Permission (IRP) card renewals. Eligible individuals may continue living and working in Ireland, and in some cases travel internationally, while their renewal applications are pending.

The temporary provisions apply only to individuals who submit their renewal application before their current residence permission expires. Employment permit holders must also ensure their work authorization remains valid throughout the renewal process.

Under the current measures, eligible individuals may continue to reside and work in Ireland until August 31, 2026, even if their IRP card expires, provided they have applied for renewal on time and submitted the required documentation.

The government has also extended a temporary travel concession through August 31, 2026. Travelers should carry the official Immigration Service Delivery travel notice together with their expired IRP card and confirm with their airline before departure that these documents will be accepted.

 The measures address ongoing processing backlogs affecting multiple residence permission categories, with some renewals, including certain Stamp 4 applications, taking several months.

After August 31, 2026, the temporary travel concession will end, and Ireland’s existing Notice to Employers framework will resume for eligible individuals with pending renewals.

Impact: The extension provides important flexibility while renewal backlogs continue. Employers and foreign nationals should ensure renewal applications are filed before current permission expires and carefully plan international travel, as the temporary concessions end on August 31, 2026.