New US Student Visa Rule Imposes 4-Year Limit for Students, 240-Day Cap for Journalists

What Has Changed?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the proposal on August 27, 2025. If finalized, this rule would:

• Abolish the long-standing tradition of giving out visas for an indefinite “duration of status.”
• Introduce a strict stay limit for students, exchange visitors, and journalists.
• Make it necessary for visa extensions to be authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The Key Highlights of The Proposal

• Students (F visas) & Exchange Visitors (J visas): The stay will be limited to four years. The extensions will be based on the decision of USCIS.
• Journalists (I visas): The stay will be limited to 240 days. The time is shortened even more for Chinese nationals to 90 days.
• Oversight: There will also be more control through SEVP and the SEVIS database for tracking the status of compliance.

And yes, the days of being a “forever student” just to stay in the U.S.? Likely over.

Historical Context

Since 1978, students could remain in the U.S. as long as they maintained their enrollment status – no fixed end date. Critics argue that this system led to misuse, with some enrolling repeatedly just to extend their stay. This isn’t the first attempt. A similar rule was floated under Donald Trump in 2020 but was withdrawn in 2021 under Biden. With Trump back in office, the plan has been revived under a broader immigration tightening, including:

• Enhanced social media checks
• More rigorous vetting
• Stricter action against overstays

Impact Beyond Students

The rule also applies to foreign media professionals. The changes in US journalist visa policy are significant, especially for correspondents who cover long-term U.S. assignments. Shorter stays may affect global media houses with permanent bureaus in the country.

Numbers at a Glance

• 6 million international students in the U.S. in 2024
• 355,000 exchange visitors
• 13,000 foreign journalists

A shift of this scale will inevitably ripple across universities, media houses, and visa applicants worldwide.

Concerns & Criticism

• Universities are concerned that timelines may hinder their efforts to recruit the best global talent.
• Free speech advocates warn that political activities, protests, or demonstrations could affect their visa status or options.
• NAFSA, which represents over 4,000 institutions, previously opposed the proposed changes in 2020 and is expected to do so again.

What Happens Next?

• The DHS proposal is open for public comments for 30 days before authorities grant final approval. If the proposal is approved, international students and journalists will need to proceed with caution – not just for admissions but also for timely extensions.

Navigating These Changes with Expert Help

Changes to visa regulations can often feel like the fine print that continues to change. However, by working with the Best US Student Visa consultants in India, applicants can be ahead of the curve. Abhinav Immigration Services has years of expertise when it comes to timelines, eligibility, and compliance, and will ensure that students and professionals alike meet new requirements in an organized and less stressful manner. For more information, please visit our website today!