US Tightens Student, Journalist and Research Scholar Visa Rules; Trump Administration Ends ‘Duration of Status’ Policy
The Trump administration has ended the decades-old 'duration of status' policy for F, J and I visa holders. The new US visa rule limits stays to four years and introduces stricter federal reviews.
Washington: The Trump administration on Thursday announced a final rule ending the decades-old “duration of status” policy for foreign students, journalists and exchange visitors in the United States. Under the new rule, F, J and I non-immigrant visa holders will be admitted for the duration of their approved programme, subject to a maximum stay of four years. The regulation also introduces mandatory federal reviews for visa extensions, biometric screening, background checks and stricter immigration oversight. The rule will take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
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US Ends ‘Duration of Status’ Policy for Student and Exchange Visas
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the final regulation eliminates the “duration of status” framework for non-immigrant visa holders in the:
- F (Student Visas)
- J (Exchange Visitor Visas)
- I (Media Representative Visas)
Under the new policy, foreign students, media representatives and exchange visitors will be admitted only for the duration of their approved programme, with a maximum stay of four years.
According to DHS, the rule is intended to restore integrity to the immigration system, curb visa abuse and strengthen national security through regular government vetting.
DHS Explains Reason for the New Visa Rule
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said:
“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud.”
He added:
“For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the US indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the U.S. By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders. This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home.”
According to DHS, foreign students have been admitted under an unspecified period of stay since 1978, allowing some to remain in the country by continually enrolling in academic programmes.
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Federal Government to Handle Visa Extensions
The new regulation transfers the authority for visa extensions from educational institutions to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Students or exchange visitors requiring additional time to complete their academic programmes must now apply directly to USCIS for an Extension of Stay.
The department said applicants will undergo:
- Biometric vetting
- Background checks
- Fraud screening
as part of the extension process.
Grace Period Reduced and Programme Rules Tightened
The regulation reduces the departure grace period for F-1 students after graduation, transfer or change of status from 60 days to 30 days.
It also introduces stricter limits on academic programme changes.
The Department of Homeland Security said the final rule will be published in the Federal Register in the coming days and will become effective 60 days after publication.
Existing Visa Holders Also Covered
Foreign students and other non-immigrant visa holders already living in the United States under the previous “duration of status” system will automatically transition to the new framework.
Their authorised stay will be capped at a maximum of four years from the rule’s effective date.
DHS noted that many other categories of non-immigrant visas already operate under fixed periods of admission, and the new regulation brings student, exchange visitor and media visas under a similar structure.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will continue overseeing schools and international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks schools, exchange visitor programmes and foreign students participating in the U.S. education system.
Impact on Indian Students
The policy is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten immigration enforcement and expand federal oversight of temporary visa programmes.
India has consistently been one of the largest sources of international students in the United States. The new rule is expected to increase federal scrutiny over visa extensions while requiring students needing additional time to complete their studies to seek approval directly from USCIS.
The Trump administration has announced a major overhaul of US student, journalist and exchange visitor visa rules by ending the decades-old “duration of status” policy. Under the new framework, F, J and I visa holders will face a maximum four-year stay, mandatory federal reviews for extensions, biometric screening and stricter immigration oversight. The rule will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, and current visa holders will also transition to the new system.
