Under the draft rule, F visas—which cover international students—would be capped at a maximum of four years, regardless of program length. Currently, student visas typically cover the full duration of academic programs, which may extend beyond five years for doctoral candidates.
For foreign media professionals, visa validity would be limited to 240 days, with the possibility of an additional 240-day extension. However, journalists’ visas could not exceed the length of their U.S. assignments. Any extension requests would need to go through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), subjecting applicants to further security vetting.
DHS officials argued that the changes are intended to curb visa overstays, reduce potential abuse, and ensure accountability. “For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely,” the agency said, warning that the practice posed security risks, financial burdens, and disadvantages to U.S. citizens.
The proposal, however, has already sparked pushback, particularly from the higher education community. Critics warn that stricter limits could undermine the country’s competitiveness as a global education hub.
Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, cautioned that the rule would create “unnecessary burdens” for both students and universities.
“The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum said. She added that the uncertainty may discourage international talent from pursuing study and research opportunities in the U.S.
International journalists also stand to be affected, with the new rules cutting significantly into what has traditionally been a more flexible system. Reporters from countries like Germany have in the past received visas valid for up to five years.
The proposed regulation is still subject to a public comment period before final implementation. If adopted, it would mark one of the most significant shifts in U.S. visa policy for students and journalists in recent years.