The U.S. government has unveiled plans to limit the duration of visas issued to international students and foreign journalists, a move aimed at tightening immigration oversight.
Under a proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), F visas for international students would be capped at four years, regardless of program length. Currently, these visas typically cover the full duration of an academic program, which for some doctoral students can exceed five years.
For foreign journalists, visas would be valid for up to 240 days, with a single possible extension of another 240 days. In all cases, visa lengths would be tied to the length of an assignment, and any extension would require approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including additional security vetting.
Previously, journalists from certain countries, such as Germany, could obtain visas lasting up to five years.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely,” DHS said in a statement. “This practice poses security risks and financial burdens, and may disadvantage U.S. citizens.”
DHS argues the changes would help prevent visa abuse and enhance national security. But the proposal has already drawn criticism from the higher education community.
Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warned the rule could disrupt students’ academic progress and burden universities with additional administrative demands.
“The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum said, adding that the uncertainty could discourage global talent from choosing the U.S. for education and research.
