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.
About the author
Actress Omeche Oko hospitalised after on-set accident
Nollywood actress Omeche Oko has been hospitalised after a motorcycle accident on a film set. The actress reportedly fell from a bike during a movie shoot and sustained injuries that required medical attention. She was later rushed to the hospital for treatment. Details of the accident have not been fully disclosed, but the incident has raised concern among fans and colleagues in the film industry. Many have since sent messages wishing her a quick recovery. On-set accidents remain a serious concern in movie production, especially during scenes involving stunts or moving vehicles. The incident has again drawn attention to the need for better safety measures during film shoots. Omeche Oko is expected to recover after receiving treatment, while more details may emerge from the production team or the actress herself.
Messi leads Golden Boot race
Lionel Messi is leading the Golden Boot race as the tournament reaches its final stages. The Argentina captain has been in excellent form and remains the player to beat in the battle for the top scorer award. His performances have helped keep Argentina competitive and have strengthened his position at the top of the scoring chart. Other players are still in the race, but Messi’s consistency has given him the edge so far. The Golden Boot contest is expected to stay open until the final matches are played. The award goes to the highest scorer in the tournament and is one of the most watched individual prizes in football. Fans are now closely following every game to see whether Messi can finish ahead of his rivals.
Tinubu may win 22 states in 2027 says Sowunmi
Former PDP chieftain Segun Sowunmi has said President Bola Tinubu could win as many as 22 states in the 2027 presidential election. Sowunmi made the remark while speaking about Tinubu’s political chances ahead of the next general election. He said the President still has strong support in parts of the country and could perform well if he maintains his current political structure. He also noted that election outcomes often depend on campaign strategy, coalition building and voter turnout. According to him, Tinubu’s chances will improve if his supporters remain united and active across the states. The comments come amid growing political discussions about the 2027 race. Different political figures have continued to predict how the contest may go, even though campaigning has not officially begun. Sowunmi’s statement has drawn attention because of the wide gap between the ruling party’s supporters […]
Lagos building collapse leaves many feared trapped
A three-storey building has collapsed in Lagos, leaving many people feared trapped under the rubble. The incident happened in the early hours of the day, and emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene. Rescue teams are working to pull out survivors and check if more people are still trapped inside the debris. So far, some occupants have reportedly been rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed the full number of victims as search operations continue. Officials say the cause of the collapse is still unknown. Investigations are expected to begin after rescue work is completed and the site is made safe. Building collapse remains a recurring safety concern in Lagos, where weak construction standards, poor supervision and building code violations have been linked to similar incidents in the past. The public has been […]
Senate passes bill to establish state police in Nigeriachannelstv+1
Nigeria has taken a major step toward creating state police after the Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill to establish state-level police services. The bill was adopted during a plenary session and is aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture by allowing states to run their own police alongside the federal force.premiumtimesng+2 The legislation, transmitted to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu, proposes a dual policing system made up of a Federal Police Service and State Police Services. It moves policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, giving state governments legal authority to create, fund and manage their own police forces.facebook+3 A key provision of the bill empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by the state Houses of Assembly. The nominees must be recommended by the National Police […]
Venezuela quakes kill 164 and injure nearly 1000
Back to back powerful earthquakes in Venezuela have killed at least 164 people and injured 971 others, according to the country’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez. The first quake, with a magnitude of 7.2, struck about 100 miles west of the capital Caracas and was followed less than a minute later by a second tremor measuring 7.5. The twin quakes caused widespread damage, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira and in parts of Caracas. Rodriguez has described La Guaira as a disaster zone, with extensive building collapses reported and many people feared trapped under the rubble. Local officials said search and rescue teams are still detecting signs of life beneath collapsed structures and have rescued dozens of survivors so far. Authorities warned that the current death toll could rise significantly as rescue and recovery operations continue. The US Geological […]
Related
Tinubu may win 22 states in 2027 says Sowunmi
Former PDP chieftain Segun Sowunmi has said President Bola Tinubu could win as many as 22 states in the 2027 presidential election. Sowunmi made the remark while speaking about Tinubu’s political chances ahead of the next general election. He said the President still has strong support in parts of the country and could perform well if he maintains his current political structure. He also noted that election outcomes often depend on campaign strategy, coalition building and voter turnout. According to him, Tinubu’s chances will improve if his supporters remain united and active across the states. The comments come amid growing political discussions about the 2027 race. Different political figures have continued to predict how the contest may go, even though campaigning has not officially begun. Sowunmi’s statement has drawn attention because of the wide gap between the ruling party’s supporters […]
Lagos building collapse leaves many feared trapped
A three-storey building has collapsed in Lagos, leaving many people feared trapped under the rubble. The incident happened in the early hours of the day, and emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene. Rescue teams are working to pull out survivors and check if more people are still trapped inside the debris. So far, some occupants have reportedly been rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed the full number of victims as search operations continue. Officials say the cause of the collapse is still unknown. Investigations are expected to begin after rescue work is completed and the site is made safe. Building collapse remains a recurring safety concern in Lagos, where weak construction standards, poor supervision and building code violations have been linked to similar incidents in the past. The public has been […]
Senate passes bill to establish state police in Nigeriachannelstv+1
Nigeria has taken a major step toward creating state police after the Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill to establish state-level police services. The bill was adopted during a plenary session and is aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture by allowing states to run their own police alongside the federal force.premiumtimesng+2 The legislation, transmitted to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu, proposes a dual policing system made up of a Federal Police Service and State Police Services. It moves policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, giving state governments legal authority to create, fund and manage their own police forces.facebook+3 A key provision of the bill empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by the state Houses of Assembly. The nominees must be recommended by the National Police […]
Venezuela quakes kill 164 and injure nearly 1000
Back to back powerful earthquakes in Venezuela have killed at least 164 people and injured 971 others, according to the country’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez. The first quake, with a magnitude of 7.2, struck about 100 miles west of the capital Caracas and was followed less than a minute later by a second tremor measuring 7.5. The twin quakes caused widespread damage, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira and in parts of Caracas. Rodriguez has described La Guaira as a disaster zone, with extensive building collapses reported and many people feared trapped under the rubble. Local officials said search and rescue teams are still detecting signs of life beneath collapsed structures and have rescued dozens of survivors so far. Authorities warned that the current death toll could rise significantly as rescue and recovery operations continue. The US Geological […]
US says Iran deal must meet strict conditions
The United States has said it still wants an agreement with Iran but warned that it will not accept a deal at any price. Officials stressed that any understanding must meet strict US security and economic conditions before it can be signed.ft+2 President Donald Trump recently said he had asked US negotiators not to rush into an agreement with Tehran. He acknowledged that talks are advanced but insisted that key issues, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and sanctions relief, must be resolved in a way that protects US interests.bbc+1 In recent weeks, Washington and Tehran have discussed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil. Under the emerging framework, the ceasefire would be extended while both sides negotiate over nuclear restrictions, sanctions and frozen assets.reuters+2 Iran has […]
Dangote Refinery denies petrol export and re-import claims
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has denied claims that its petrol is being exported to Togo and then brought back into Nigeria. The company said the allegation is false and does not reflect its business operations. It explained that the claims are not supported by trade records, commercial logic, or its normal supply process. According to the refinery, its sales contracts do not allow the resale or re-importation of its products into Nigeria. The company said this rule is part of its standard compliance system. Dangote Refinery also said the alleged trade route would not make economic sense. It noted that shipping fuel from Nigeria to Lomé and back into Nigeria would add extra logistics costs that would make such a plan unprofitable. The company said no rational producer would spend additional money on shipping, storage, financing and handling only for the […]