The U.S. government under the Trump administration is implementing stricter measures concerning visas, with a focus on limiting the duration of stay for various visa holders. A new proposal outlines specific time limits for student visas (F visas), exchange visitor visas (J visas), and visas for foreign media personnel (I visas).
The proposed changes will alter the existing system where visas, particularly for students and exchange visitors, were typically valid for the duration of their studies or program. Journalists’ visas also did not have a specific time limit tied to their employment. The new regulations intend to fix this, instituting a maximum period for which these visas will be valid.
Specifically, the regulations propose a four-year maximum for student and exchange visitor visas. Journalists’ visas, which previously allowed for extended stays, will be capped at 240 days, or 90 days for those holding passports from China and Hong Kong. Visa holders will have the option to apply for an extension, according to the proposal.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests these changes are crucial for improving oversight of visa holders. In 2024, there were approximately 1.6 million international students studying in the US on F visas, 355,000 exchange visitors, and 13,000 media personnel with visas.
These changes are motivated by a desire to address what the administration perceives as abuse of the system. The government believes the current system has permitted visa holders to stay in the US for extended periods, creating security risks and negatively impacting American citizens.