The United States had move to introduce new immigration regulations that will place fixed time limits on visas issued to international students, cultural exchange participants and foreign journalists, as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration controls.
The new rule, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), replaces the current system under which F, J and I visa holders are generally allowed to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic programme, exchange programme or employment.
Under the revised regulations, student and exchange visitor visas will be valid for a maximum of four years, while visas issued to foreign journalists will be limited to 240 days. Journalists from China will receive visas valid for up to 90 days. Holders seeking to remain beyond these periods will be required to apply for extensions or leave the country and seek readmission.
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The rule is scheduled to take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, subject to congressional review.
The latest policy forms part of President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda since returning to office in January 2025. The administration has expanded scrutiny of both illegal and legal immigration, including revoking student visas and permanent residency permits in certain cases.
The new regulations also introduce stricter conditions for 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 has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
The Department of Homeland Security said the measures were necessary to improve oversight of foreign nationals studying, working or reporting in the country, citing a sharp increase in visa admissions.
According to the department, the United States recorded more than 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, representing an increase of more than 11 per cent compared with the previous year.
It also disclosed that more than 500,000 exchange visitors and about 37,300 foreign media personnel were issued visas during the 2024 fiscal year.
DHS said the growing number of temporary visitors had increased the challenge of monitoring compliance with immigration regulations, adding that some visa holders had remained in the country for decades under the existing system.
However, the new restrictions have drawn criticism from immigration experts, who argue that they could create unnecessary obstacles for international students and exchange visitors.
Former DHS official Doug Rand said the regulations would increase bureaucratic hurdles rather than strengthen the country’s ability to attract global talent.
David Bier, Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute, also questioned the legal basis for some of the restrictions, particularly those limiting students’ ability to transfer institutions or change academic programmes.
Critics further warned that reducing the post-study grace period to 30 days could make it difficult for graduates to secure employment sponsorship before falling out of legal immigration status.
The regulations allow affected visa holders to apply for extensions where eligible, while those wishing to remain beyond their approved period may also seek readmission after travelling outside the United States.
