How the New Student Visa Rule May Impact International Student-Athletes

By Gregg E. Clifton and Matthew J. Martinez, of Lewis Brisbois International student-athletes have always had to plan their immigration status around NCAA eligibility rules. Beginning September 15, 2026, many of these same student-athletes will also need to plan around a new immigration requirements. A new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule replaces the longstanding “Duration of Status” (D/S) system with fixed periods of admission for most F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. Whil