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The F-1 visa is a student visa issued by the US Department of State. Most international students need an F-1 visa in order to study in the U.S. The most accurate F-1 visa information can be found at the website of the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at www.travel.state.gov or the U.S. Embassies in your country.

International Student Visa Rule Update

On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction postponing implementation of the Department of Homeland Security's rule that would have replaced the longstanding "duration of status" policy for F-1 and J-1 visa holders with a four-year limit on authorized stay. As a result, the rule did not take effect on September 15, 2026, as previously scheduled.

At this time, Touro University is closely monitoring developments and is awaiting further guidance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and other federal authorities.

New DHS Rule: End of "Duration of Status" for F-1 Students

Effective date: September 15, 2026

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final rule ending "duration of status" (D/S, the practice of allowing a student to remain in the country for as long as they are enrolled and maintaining status) for F-1 students. Going forward, F-1 students will be admitted for a fixed period tied to program length, with a cap of four (4) years, and will need to follow a formal process to stay beyond that period.

Read the full Overview of DHS's New Final Rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure

Form I-20, the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is a document issued by SEVP- approved schools and allows foreign students to attend a full course of study in the U.S. To be qualified for Touro University I-20, you must:

  • Be fully accepted by the program
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the English language with TOEFL, IELTS, or other appropriate test scores, certificates, or transcripts
  • Submit a copy of your passport and proof of sufficient financial support for tuition, fees, and living expenses
  • Provide foreign residence and mailing address information

You will be required to submit a copy of a letter of full acceptance, passport, proof of English proficiency, foreign resident address, and proof of financial support to an International Admission Coordinator for I-20 issuance purposes. If you are a transfer student, you will be required to submit additional documents.

I-20 Application Process

NYSCAS Undergraduate School

Yun Rachel Liang
Assistant Director of Admissions
P: (646) 795-4510 ext. 55818
E: yliang7@touro.edu

Graduate Schools

Ms. Sharmilee Hoopnarine
International Admissions Coordinator
P: (212) 463-0400 ext. 55119
E: sharmilee.hoopnarine@touro.edu