Trump limits length of visas for students, exchange visitors, journalists

Key Points:

• The Trump administration has introduced new DHS rules limiting visas for foreign students and exchange visitors to four years, and for foreign journalists to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals, ending the previous system allowing indefinite stays while enrolled or on assignment.
• The regulation requires those wanting to stay longer to apply for extensions or leave and reapply, and it will take effect 60 days after publication, potentially impacting college admissions for programs starting in August and September.
• The administration justifies the changes by citing safety concerns, taxpayer costs, and difficulties monitoring visa holders, noting that some students have maintained visa status for decades through program transfers and extensions.
• The rule also imposes tighter restrictions on transfers and changes in academic programs, especially at the graduate level, amid a significant increase in student visa admissions—over 1.8 million in 2024, a rise of more than 11 percent from the prior year.
• Critics, including immigration advocates and universities, warn the policy could deter international students and researchers by increasing costs and reducing the attractiveness of the US as a study destination, while the administration continues a broader crackdown on immigration.