US tightens visa rules for foreign students, exchange visitors

US tightens visa rules for foreign students, exchange visitors

The Trump administration has announced sweeping changes to US visa regulations that will significantly affect international students, cultural exchange participants, and foreign journalists.

On Thursday, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced a final rule that eliminates the long-standing “duration of status” policy. Under the previous system, holders of F visas for students, J visas for exchange visitors, and I visas for foreign media representatives could remain in the United States for as long as they maintained their academic program, exchange activity, or professional assignment.

The new regulation replaces that flexible arrangement with fixed periods of stay. International students and participants in cultural exchange programmes will generally receive permission to remain in the US for up to four years. Foreign journalists, who previously could hold I visas valid for several years, will now receive visas for a maximum of 240 days. Chinese journalists will face an even shorter limit of 90 days.

The DHS said visa holders who need additional time may apply for an extension. However, applicants must complete biometric verification, undergo background checks, and pass fraud screening before authorities consider their requests.

The administration said the changes aim to strengthen immigration oversight and ensure closer monitoring of temporary visa holders. Officials believe the revised system will improve compliance with immigration laws while enhancing national security.

The rule will take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, subject to congressional review.

In a separate move, the US State Department has also reduced the grace period for F-1 international students after they complete or end their studies. Students previously had 60 days to leave the country, but they will now have only 30 days. In addition, any extension of F or J visa status will require formal federal approval, adding another layer of scrutiny for foreign nationals seeking to remain in the United States.

The policy marks one of the most significant changes to the US non-immigrant visa system in recent years and is expected to affect thousands of students, exchange visitors, and media professionals planning to study, work, or report from the United States.