The United States has introduced stricter rules for foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists by ending a long-standing system that allowed them to remain in the country indefinitely under “duration of status”. Under a new regulation issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), holders of F, J and I nonimmigrant visas will now be admitted for fixed periods.

The new framework limits students and exchange visitors to the duration of their academic or exchange programme, subject to a maximum stay of four years. Existing visa holders covered under the previous system will also be shifted automatically to the new regime, with their authorised stay capped at four years from the date the rule comes into effect.

New Limits for Student and Exchange Visas

The F visa category applies to international students, J visas cover exchange visitors and I visas are issued to journalists. DHS said that, unlike these categories, many other nonimmigrant visas already operate under fixed periods of admission.

Under the new regulation, F visa holders and J exchange visitors may remain in the United States only for the duration of their approved programme, with an overall limit of four years.

DHS also confirmed that individuals currently in the United States under the earlier “duration of status” system will automatically transition to the new framework without requiring a fresh admission.

DHS Cites Visa Abuse and Security Concerns

Announcing the rule, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the previous policy had allowed some foreign students to remain in the United States indefinitely by repeatedly enrolling in academic programmes.

“For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the US indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the US,” Mullin said.

He added that introducing fixed time limits would strengthen the government’s ability to screen, vet and monitor nonimmigrant visa holders.

“This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home,” he said.

Extension Process and Additional Restrictions

According to DHS, visa holders who require additional time to complete their academic programme must apply directly to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay.

The department said the new process transfers oversight from educational institutions to federal authorities and requires applicants to undergo biometric checks, background verification and fraud screening.

The regulation also shortens the grace period available to F-1 students after graduation from 60 days to 30 days. During this period, graduates must either leave the country, transfer to another institution or change their immigration status.

In addition, the rule introduces tighter restrictions on academic changes. DHS said the measures are intended to restore integrity to the immigration system, address visa abuse and strengthen national security by replacing the open-ended admission system with fixed-term stays and increased federal oversight.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share