US Caps Student Visas at Four Years, Shortens Foreign Journalist Stays

The Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule that ends the long‑standing “duration of status” framework for F (student), J (exchange visitor) and I (journalist) visas. Effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, the rule limits F and J visas to a maximum stay of four years and reduces the post‑graduation grace period from 60 days to 30 days. It also bars most program‑change transfers and second‑degree pursuits without prior DHS authorization. I‑visa holders will be admitted for up to 240 days, with a separate 90‑day cap for Chinese nationals.

The administration says the changes will improve security oversight and curb abuse, noting more than 1.8 million student‑visa admissions in 2024, over 500 000 exchange visitors and about 37 000 foreign journalists. Critics, including university groups and press‑freedom organizations, warn the limits will hurt U.S. universities’ attractiveness and impede foreign reporting.

Current visa holders will automatically transition to the new limits, with extensions requiring a USCIS application, biometric checks and background screening. The rule is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown that began after his 2025 inauguration.