US moves to impose fixed visa terms for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday unveiled a rule that would replace the current open-ended visa validity for certain foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists with fixed periods of stay.

According to a notice published in the Federal Register, the proposed final rule would apply to F visas for international students, J visas for participants in cultural exchange programmes, and I visas issued to members of the foreign media.

What changes?

Under the proposed rule, holders of these visas would be granted permission to remain in the United States for a fixed time period, replacing the current system that allows them to stay for the duration of their academic programme or US-based employment.

At present:

F visas allow international students to remain in the US for the duration of their approved course of study.

J visas permit participants in exchange and cultural programmes to stay for the length of their approved programme.

I visas allow foreign journalists and media representatives to remain in the US while employed in their US-based assignments.

The new rule would end this "duration of status" framework and instead establish predetermined periods of authorised stay.

Congressional review required

The Department of Homeland Security said the rule is subject to congressional review before it can take effect.

According to the Federal Register notice, an effective date has not yet been determined.

If implemented, the measure would mark a significant change to US immigration regulations governing international students, exchange programme participants and foreign journalists working in the United States.

4-year limit for student, exchange visas; foreign journalist stays capped at 240 days

According to a Reuters report, if implemented, the rule would cap student (F) and exchange visitor (J) visas at four years, while foreign journalists (I visas) would generally be allowed to stay for up to 240 days. Journalists from China would face a shorter 90-day limit.

Under the proposed regulation, F and J visa holders would no longer be admitted for the duration of their academic or exchange programmes. Instead, they would receive a maximum authorised stay of four years, after which they would need to seek permission to remain in the United States.

Foreign journalists holding I visas would be limited to 240 days, while Chinese nationals in the same category would be admitted for up to 90 days.

Extensions still possible

The proposed rule, as per the news report, allows visa holders to apply for extensions. Those wishing to remain in the United States beyond their authorised stay would need to apply to DHS for an extension or leave the country and seek readmission by re-entering with a valid immigration status.

DHS cites surge in visa admissions

The Department of Homeland Security reportedly said the changes are needed because of a sharp rise in the number of foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists entering the United States.

According to DHS, the growing number of visa holders has made immigration oversight increasingly challenging.

The department reportedly said the significant increase in admissions "poses a challenge to DHS's ability to monitor and oversee these nonimmigrants while they are in the United States."

Officials also said they have identified numerous cases in which students and exchange visitors remained in the country for decades under the current "duration of status" system.

Part of Trump's broader immigration agenda

The proposed rule is the latest immigration measure introduced by President Donald Trump's administration since he returned to office in January 2025.

The administration has pursued a broader crackdown on both illegal and legal immigration, including increased scrutiny of student visas and permanent residency.

In recent months, officials have revoked visas and green cards of some university students over their ideological views and ended legal protections for hundreds of thousands of migrants.

If approved following congressional review, the new regulation would significantly change how international students, exchange programme participants and foreign journalists maintain legal status in the United States.