The United States government has announced plans to reduce the validity period of visas for international students and foreign journalists, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Under the proposed rule, F visas—issued to foreign students—would be limited to a maximum of four years, regardless of the length of their academic programs. Currently, students are granted visas that cover the full duration of their studies, which can exceed five years for doctoral degrees.
For foreign journalists, visa validity would be restricted to 240 days, with the possibility of one extension for another 240 days. However, the total period would not be allowed to exceed the duration of their professional assignments.
Any request for an extension would have to go through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), subjecting applicants to additional security checks.
In the past, journalists from countries such as Germany have received visas valid for up to five years. DHS said the changes were necessary to prevent visa abuse, enhance oversight, and strengthen security.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the US virtually indefinitely. This poses security risks and creates financial burdens while disadvantaging U.S. citizens,” the department stated.
The proposal has sparked criticism from U.S. higher education stakeholders.
Miriam Feldblum, President and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, said the rule would create unnecessary challenges for students and universities.
“The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum warned.
She added that the uncertainty could discourage international talent from pursuing education and research opportunities in the United States.
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