AgenciesThe Trump administration on Wednesday proposed new rules to limit the duration of visas for international students, cultural exchange visitors, and members of the media. The regulation is part of a broader effort to tighten legal immigration in the United States.
Under the proposal, F visas for students, J visas for cultural exchange workers, and I visas for journalists would be granted for fixed periods rather than for the full length of programs or employment. Students and exchange visitors would be limited to a maximum of four years, while foreign media representatives would receive visas for up to 240 days, and 90 days for Chinese nationals. Visa holders could apply for extensions, once expired.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that if finalised, the proposed rule would limit the length of time certain visa holders, including foreign students are allowed to stay in the United States.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the US virtually indefinitely, posing safety risks, costing untold amounts of taxpayer dollars, and disadvantaging US citizens,” a DHS spokesperson said.
“This new proposed rule would end that abuse once and for all by limiting the amount of time certain visa holders are allowed to remain in the US,” the spokesperson added.
Since 1978, foreign students (F visa holders) have been admitted into the US for an unspecified period known as “duration of status”. Unlike other visas issued, those with a “duration of status” designation are allowed to remain in the US for an indefinite amount of time without further screening and vetting, the DHS said.
President Donald Trump, launched a wide-ranging immigration crackdown after taking office in January. Officials said the new rule would help the government “monitor and oversee” visa holders while they are in the United States.
In 2024, there were about 1.6 million international students on F visas, 355,000 exchange visitors, and 13,000 journalists in the US under these visa categories.
The public has 30 days to comment on the proposed regulation. A similar plan was introduced in 2020 but withdrawn in 2021 by the Biden administration after opposition from NAFSA, a non-profit representing international educators.
The Trump administration has also recently increased scrutiny of legal immigration, including revoking student visas and green cards over ideological views. In an August 22 memo, US Citizenship and Immigration Services said it would resume neighbourhood visits to check citizenship applicants’ residency, moral character, and commitment to American ideals.
Under the proposal, F visas for students, J visas for cultural exchange workers, and I visas for journalists would be granted for fixed periods rather than for the full length of programs or employment. Students and exchange visitors would be limited to a maximum of four years, while foreign media representatives would receive visas for up to 240 days, and 90 days for Chinese nationals. Visa holders could apply for extensions, once expired.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that if finalised, the proposed rule would limit the length of time certain visa holders, including foreign students are allowed to stay in the United States.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the US virtually indefinitely, posing safety risks, costing untold amounts of taxpayer dollars, and disadvantaging US citizens,” a DHS spokesperson said.
“This new proposed rule would end that abuse once and for all by limiting the amount of time certain visa holders are allowed to remain in the US,” the spokesperson added.
Since 1978, foreign students (F visa holders) have been admitted into the US for an unspecified period known as “duration of status”. Unlike other visas issued, those with a “duration of status” designation are allowed to remain in the US for an indefinite amount of time without further screening and vetting, the DHS said.
President Donald Trump, launched a wide-ranging immigration crackdown after taking office in January. Officials said the new rule would help the government “monitor and oversee” visa holders while they are in the United States.
In 2024, there were about 1.6 million international students on F visas, 355,000 exchange visitors, and 13,000 journalists in the US under these visa categories.
The public has 30 days to comment on the proposed regulation. A similar plan was introduced in 2020 but withdrawn in 2021 by the Biden administration after opposition from NAFSA, a non-profit representing international educators.
The Trump administration has also recently increased scrutiny of legal immigration, including revoking student visas and green cards over ideological views. In an August 22 memo, US Citizenship and Immigration Services said it would resume neighbourhood visits to check citizenship applicants’ residency, moral character, and commitment to American ideals.
( Originally published on Aug 27, 2025 )
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