US to tighten visa rules for foreign students, journalists

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it will shorten visa durations for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists, Report informs via Reuters.

Under the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule, fixed time limits will be introduced for F visas (students), J visas (cultural exchange participants), and I visas (media representatives). Previously, these visas were valid for the length of the program or employment.

The regulation will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, pending congressional review.

Since taking office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has pursued a broad immigration crackdown, including stricter oversight of legal immigration, revoking student visas and green cards over ideological grounds, and stripping status from hundreds of thousands of migrants. The latest measure adds new obstacles for international students, exchange workers, and foreign journalists.

The new rules cap student and exchange visas at four years, while journalist visas will be limited to 240 days - or 90 days for Chinese nationals. Extensions may be requested.

China's foreign ministry previously criticized the proposal as discriminatory. The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Graduate students will be barred from changing their "educational objectives" or transferring schools without approval. The grace period for students to leave the U.S. after completing studies will be cut from 60 to 30 days.

Critics argue the rule undermines the value of welcoming international students. Former DHS official Doug Rand said: "This rule would do the opposite." David J. Bier of the Cato Institute added that there is no legal basis for restricting study changes or transfers.

DHS cited rising visa numbers: 1.8 million student admissions in 2024, up 11% from the previous year; over 500,000 exchange visitors and 37,300 media visas were also issued. DHS said the surge makes monitoring difficult, noting some visa holders remain for decades.

Those wishing to stay beyond the fixed period must apply for an extension or leave and re-enter the US.