US imposes fixed-term visas for students, journalists, exchange visitors
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule that replaces the open-ended visa system for international students, foreign journalists, and cultural exchange visitors with fixed-term visas. The rule, set to take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, introduces new hurdles for those seeking to study, work, or report from the US.
Under the new regulation, F visas for international students and J visas for exchange visitors will generally be valid for no longer than four years. Foreign journalists on I visas will be allowed to stay for up to 240 days, while Chinese journalists face a stricter 90-day limit. Currently, such visas often remain valid for the duration of a programme or indefinitely.
Visa holders wishing to remain beyond the fixed period must apply to DHS for an extension or leave the country and re-enter. Graduate students are prohibited from changing their 'educational objectives' or transferring schools without authorisation. The time allowed to leave the US after completing a degree is halved from 60 days to 30 days.
The changes impact Indian nationals significantly, as they constitute the largest international student community in the US. Students in programmes exceeding four years may need extensions or re-entry. Indian journalists posted to the US also face shorter validity periods.
Critics argue the rule creates unnecessary red tape. Doug Rand, a former DHS official, said, 'Most Americans understand the value of welcoming international students and getting rid of needless red tape. This rule would do the opposite.' David J. Bier of the Cato Institute questioned the legal basis for the restrictions, noting that students would have just 30 days to find employer sponsorship or become illegal immigrants.
The DHS justified the change by citing a rise in visa admissions: over 1.8 million student visas in 2024 (up 11% from previous year), more than 500,000 exchange visitors, and 37,300 foreign journalists. The department said the volume 'poses a challenge to DHS’s ability to monitor and oversee these nonimmigrants.' It also noted instances of visitors remaining in the US for decades under the current system.
The rule is part of the Trump administration's broader immigration enforcement agenda. It is subject to congressional review before implementation.
