What is duration of status?
Previously, members of the international media, including press, radio, film, and other informational media workers, were generally granted a period of authorized stay of “d/s” for duration of status. This means that the person was authorized to stay in the US as long as they continued to work for the same employer in the same information medium. This was convenient for US immigration officials, who did not have to process a new application every few months. It was also convenient for journalists and international media companies who could do their work without arbitrary deadlines.
What is changing?
On July 17, 2026, the US government published a new rule that will go into effect on September 15, 2026. Under this new rule, members of the international media will no longer be granted an authorized stay of duration of status. Instead, they will be granted a fixed period of admission up to a maximum of 240 days. Most Chinese passport holders will continue to be limited to a maximum stay of 90 days, as they have been since 2020.
What if you need to stay in the US longer?
Members of the international media who need to stay in the US for more than 240 days (90 days for Chinese nationals) will have to file an application for an Extension of Stay with USCIS. These applications have a government filing fee of $420-470 USD and currently take five or more months to be processed. While the extension application is pending, the I visa holder can keep working in the same role for up to an additional 240 days. If the extension application is still pending at the end of that time, the I visa holder may remain in the US but must stop working until the extension application is approved.
What about people already in the US on a duration of status stay?
The new rule is also somewhat retroactive, with special transition period rules for people in the US on an I visa as of September 15, 2026. Their duration of stay will automatically be changed to a period necessary to complete the activity with the latest possible date of May 13, 2027.
Contact Us
We welcome you to contact us directly to discuss the above. Please contact one of our Toronto immigration lawyers, by reaching out to our general line 416 548 7100 or via email info@gaimmlaw.com. Our immigration lawyers are always available to discuss any of your specific Canadian or US immigration queries either virtually or in person. We look forward to hearing from you.
