By Peter Omopo
28th August 2025
The United States government has announced plans to limit the duration of visas for international students and journalists, a move aimed at preventing visa misuse and enhancing oversight.
Under the proposed rules by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
- F visas for foreign students would be capped at four years, down from the current practice of granting visas for the entire length of academic programs, which can exceed five years for doctoral degrees.
- Visas for foreign journalists would be limited to 240 days, with a possible extension of an additional 240 days, but not exceeding the length of their assignments. Any extension would require application through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), triggering additional security checks.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the US virtually indefinitely,” DHS said. “This practice poses security risks, financial burdens, and may disadvantage U.S. citizens.”
The changes are intended to curb visa abuse and ensure closer monitoring of international visitors.
However, the proposal has faced pushback from the US higher education community. Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warned that the new regulations would disrupt studies and university operations.
“The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum said, adding that it could deter international talent from choosing the US for education and research.
Previously, journalists from countries such as Germany have received visas valid for up to five years, highlighting the significant reduction proposed under the new rule.
