WASHINGTON: The administration of US President Donald Trump has introduced sweeping changes to visa regulations for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and international journalists, replacing the long-standing open-ended admission system with fixed periods of stay.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule on Thursday that sets defined validity periods for F visas issued to international students, J visas for participants in cultural exchange programmes and I visas granted to foreign media personnel.
For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S. for an unspecified period, enabling thousands to abuse the system and become “forever students” by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid leaving our nation.
By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas,… pic.twitter.com/1IN5yjelGO
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 16, 2026
New visa changes to begin 60 days after publication
The new regulations will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, subject to congressional review. Until now, holders of these visas were generally permitted to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic programme, exchange activity or professional assignment. Under the revised framework, student and exchange visitor visas will be limited to a maximum of four years.
The rule also introduces significantly shorter visa terms for foreign journalists. I visas, which previously could remain valid for several years, will now be issued for up to 240 days. Chinese journalists will face an even stricter limit of 90 days, although extensions may be sought through the DHS.
The latest measures form part of President Trump’s broader immigration agenda launched after returning to office in January 2025. His administration has intensified scrutiny of both legal and illegal immigration, including revoking student visas and permanent residency permits in certain cases and increasing oversight of foreign nationals.
The new regulations also tighten rules governing international students. Graduate students will no longer be permitted to change their educational objectives or transfer to another institution without prior authorisation. In addition, the grace period allowing students to remain in the United States after completing their studies or training has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Visa changes could hinder graduate employment and study
Critics argue that the changes will make it more difficult for international graduates to secure employment or continue their academic careers in the United States.
Doug Rand, a former DHS official, said the new rule would create unnecessary administrative barriers instead of strengthening America’s ability to attract international talent.
David J. Bier, Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute, questioned the legal basis for some of the new restrictions, arguing that reducing the post-study grace period would leave graduates with insufficient time to secure employer sponsorship or adjust their immigration status.
The DHS defended the measures by citing a sharp increase in admissions under these visa categories. The department said more than 1.8 million student admissions were recorded in 2024, representing an increase of over 11 per cent compared with the previous year.
During the 2024 fiscal year, the United States also admitted more than 500,000 exchange visitors and approximately 37,300 foreign media representatives.
According to the department, the growing number of visa holders has made it increasingly difficult to monitor compliance with immigration requirements. It also said some students and exchange visitors had remained in the country for decades under the existing system.
Under the new framework, anyone wishing to remain in the United States beyond the authorised period will be required to apply for an extension through the DHS or leave the country and seek readmission from abroad.
According to the latest available figures, more than 1.1 million international students are enrolled at US colleges and universities in a typical academic year.
