Trump Administration Proposes Rule to Limit Foreign Student Visa Duration

The Trump administration has introduced a controversial new rule aimed at tightening regulations for foreign student visas. Officials say the proposal is designed to curb “visa abuse,” but education leaders warn it could disrupt academic programs and discourage international students from choosing the United States.

Currently, many students and exchange visitors on F and J visas are admitted under “duration of status,” allowing them to stay in the country as long as they remain enrolled in their program. The new rule would abolish this policy and instead impose fixed admission periods capped at four years. Students enrolled in longer academic programs, such as PhDs, would need to apply for extensions through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The plan also impacts foreign journalists and media representatives, who would be admitted for an initial stay of 240 days, with limited extensions possible.

Government’s Rationale

The Department of Homeland Security argues that open-ended student stays have created oversight challenges and opened the door to “forever students” who remain in the U.S. without completing their programs. DHS says the changes would improve national security, reduce fraud, and ensure greater accountability.

Pushback from Universities and Advocates

Critics, including higher education associations and student advocacy groups, say the proposal would create uncertainty and bureaucracy for international students. They argue that many academic programs naturally extend beyond four years and that additional visa reviews would burden both students and institutions.

Analysts also warn the U.S. could lose its competitive edge as a top destination for higher education. “If students feel unwelcome or face constant paperwork, they may choose Canada, the U.K., or Australia instead,” one policy expert noted.

What Happens Next

The proposal has been published for public comment, giving universities, students, and other stakeholders a chance to weigh in. If finalized, the rule could affect hundreds of thousands of international students and scholars across the U.S.

This is not the first time the idea has surfaced. A similar rule was introduced during Trump’s first term but was rolled back under the Biden administration. Its revival reflects the administration’s broader push for stricter immigration controls.

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