Trump administration announces new rule limiting the duration of foreign student and media visas to four years

By Purushottam Dhakal, LOS ANGELES:- Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new rule revoking the permission for foreign students, exchange program visitors, and media representatives to stay in the United States for extended periods.

Previously, the DHS granted foreign students, exchange program visitors, and media representatives permission to stay in the United States for extended periods.

Through a new rule issued today, the DHS has clarified that it is establishing fixed periods of admission for holders of F, J, and I non-immigrant visas. This decisive change restores the integrity of the nation’s immigration system, curbs widespread visa abuse, and strengthens national security through regular oversight. Provisions for fixed periods of admission are already in place for many other categories of non-immigrant visas.

According to the DHS, student visas will be issued in the future only after stricter scrutiny; this rule will also apply to J and I category non-immigrant visas.

While announcing the new rule, DHS Secretary Mark Morgan stated, “For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment conducive to immigration fraud. For decades, foreign students have been admitted to the U.S. for an indefinite period, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by continuously enrolling in various courses of study to avoid having to leave the country.”

Mullin said, “By applying clear and definite limits to these visas, the United States is regaining the ability to properly vet and monitor individuals within its borders. This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary objective—namely, completing their studies and returning home.”

Since 1978, foreign students have been granted entry into the U.S. for an indefinite period, leading thousands to become “students for the sake of staying in the U.S.” by continuously enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the country.

The administration claims that the new rule issued by the DHS today will put an end to this type of abuse through several key reforms.

Mandatory federal extension process under the new rule: Visa holders requiring additional time to complete their educational programs must formally apply for an ‘Extension of Stay’ (EOS) directly through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Reduction in the time allotted for departure under the rules: The time granted to F-1 students to prepare for departure, transfer to another school, or change their visa status after completing their studies or program has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

Similarly, regarding restrictions on changing programs: this rule sets strict limits on changing academic programs. The final rule will be published in the ‘Federal Register’ within the next few days. It will take effect 60 days after its publication in the ‘Federal Register’.

Under the provisions regarding “period of stay” in the rule issued today, non-immigrant visa holders currently residing in the United States will automatically transition to the new system; their authorized stay will be limited to a maximum of four years from the effective date of the rule.

In its directive regarding the enforcement of the new rule, the DHS stated: “SEVP is managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). On behalf of the DHS, SEVP manages schools, non-immigrant students in the F and M visa categories, and their dependents.”

SEVP is set to begin using the ‘Student and Exchange Visitor Information System’ to track and monitor the activities of schools, exchange programs, and international students (who are visiting the U.S. or participating in the U.S. education system).