US Proposes Visa Time Limits for Foreign Students
DHS announces proposed visa limits for international students, exchange visitors and journalists under new immigration changes.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed new visa limits that would affect Nigerian and other international students, exchange visitors, and foreign journalists in the United States.
The planned rule would replace the current system that allows holders of F visas, J visas, and I visas to remain in the country based on the length of their studies, exchange programmes, or employment.
Under the proposed US visa changes, F and J visa holders would receive permission to stay for a maximum of four years. Foreign journalists using I visas would face a shorter limit of 240 days, while Chinese journalists would have a 90-day maximum stay.
The regulation is expected to take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, subject to congressional review. DHS said visa holders could still request extensions if they need additional time.
The department said the changes are aimed at improving monitoring of non-immigrant visitors following a rise in international arrivals. DHS reported more than 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year. The country also issued visas to more than 500,000 exchange visitors and 37,300 media workers during the 2024 fiscal year.
The international student visa policy review comes as the administration of President Donald Trump continues to introduce stricter immigration measures. DHS said it had identified cases where some students and exchange visitors remained in the United States for decades under the existing rules.
Officials said anyone who wants to stay beyond the approved period would need to apply for an extension or leave the country and seek permission to return.
How might these proposed visa limits affect international students and professionals planning to study or work in the US?
