Duration of US visa stay changes – what it means for foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists

The Trump administration has introduced a new rule that replaces open-ended stays for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists with fixed visa terms, marking another shift in U.S. immigration policy, news agency Reuters reported.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the regulation applies to F visas for international students, J visas for cultural exchange participants and I visas for foreign journalists. The rule is scheduled to take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, subject to congressional review.

Under the new regulation, international students and exchange visitors will generally be allowed to remain in the United States for up to 4 years. Foreign journalists holding I visas will be granted stays of up to 240 days, while Chinese nationals in the same category will be limited to 90 days.Previously, these visa holders could remain in the country for the duration of their approved academic programme, exchange activity or media assignment.In the Federal Register notice, DHS said the growing number of temporary visa holders has made it more difficult to monitor compliance with immigration rules.The department reported more than 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, an increase of over 11% compared with the previous year. It also said the United States issued visas to more than 500,000 exchange visitors and 37,300 foreign media professionals during fiscal year 2024.According to DHS, the department has identified cases in which some student and exchange visa holders remained in the United States for decades under the existing system.

Extension required

Under the new rule, visa holders who wish to remain in the United States beyond their authorised period must apply to the Department of Homeland Security for an extension or leave the country and seek readmission