What the D/S Notation Means for J/F Visa Holders Entering the United States
This article explains the D/S annotation that may appear in the passport upon entry for J-1 exchange scholars and F-1 student visa holders, clarifying that it means continued stay as long as status remains valid, with no fixed expiration date. It notes that the CBP I-94 record may show 'admit until unknown'; also explains that since 2013, no paper I-94 card is issued for arrivals by commercial aircraft or vessel, and that D/S does not apply to B1/B2 visa extensions.
When J-1 exchange scholars and F-1 student visa holders enter the United States, CBP may write the notation D/S on their passports without specifying a date. If one checks the I-94 online record on the CBP website, it may show admit until = unknown. D/S stands for "Duration of Status," meaning "as long as your status remains unchanged, you may continue to stay in the United States with no fixed expiration date."
For example, with an F-1 visa, as long as the individual is still enrolled, maintains F-1 status, and has no other violations of immigration regulations, they may legally stay indefinitely. Since 2013, paper I-94 arrival cards are no longer issued when entering by commercial aircraft or ship; the D/S notation is written directly on the entry record page in the passport. Below is a paper I-94 record found online.
D/S stamp on a J-1 visa
When extending a B1/B2 visa, the question "Were you granted Duration of Status (D/S)?" should be answered "No." D/S does not apply to B1/B2 visas.
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