New Visa Rules Limit Foreign Students Stay in the US to Four Years
Washington, July 16: The Trump administration has introduced a new final rule that ends a decades-old system allowing many foreign students and exchange visitors to remain in the United States without a fixed end date. Under the new regulations, their entry will be limited to a specific timeframe, and they will need to undergo mandatory checks by the federal government to extend their visas.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the “Duration of Status” provision for non-immigrant visa categories ‘F’, ‘J’, and ‘I’ has been abolished. Now, foreign students, media representatives, and exchange visitors will be allowed to stay in the US only for the duration of their approved programs, capped at a maximum of four years.
According to DHS, the aim of this rule is to bring “reform to the immigration system,” prevent misuse of visas, and enhance national security through regular government checks. DHS Secretary Markven Mullin stated, “The Duration of Status system, in place for nearly half a century, has weakened national security and opened avenues for immigration fraud.”
He added, “For decades, foreign students were allowed to remain in the US indefinitely, leading some to enroll in new courses repeatedly without needing to leave the country. By implementing clear and fixed time limits for these visas, the US ensures proper vetting, monitoring, and that individuals focus on their primary purpose of completing their studies before returning to their home countries.”
Since 1978, foreign students have not been given a fixed duration for their stay in the US, allowing some to remain for extended periods by continuously enrolling in new academic programs. The new rules will change this arrangement, establishing a defined stay period and transferring the authority to extend visas from educational institutions to the federal government.
If a student or exchange visitor requires additional time to complete their program, they must apply directly to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension. This process will include biometric checks, background checks, and fraud investigations.
Under the new rules, the grace period for F-1 students to leave the US after completing their studies, changing colleges, or altering their status has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Additionally, stricter regulations will apply for changing academic programs.
DHS stated that this final rule will be published in the Federal Register in the coming days and will take effect 60 days after publication. Foreign students and other non-immigrant visa holders already residing in the US under the Duration of Status provision will also transition to the new system, limiting their authorized stay to a maximum of four years from the effective date.
DHS noted that many other non-immigrant visas already operate on a fixed-duration basis. The new rule will bring students, exchange visitors, and media visas under similar regulations.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), operating under US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will continue to monitor schools and foreign students using the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which records information related to schools, exchange programs, and foreign students in the US education system.
This policy is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten immigration rules and increase federal oversight of temporary visa programs. India has long been one of the largest sources of foreign students studying in the US. Following the new rules, Indian students, along with all foreign students, may face increased government scrutiny when applying for visa extensions. Those needing additional time to complete their studies will now have to seek approval directly from USCIS.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 8 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Udaipur Kiran & Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
