Big Shock for Foreign Students: US Proposes New Visa Rules, Stay Limited to Fixed Period Instead of Indefinite Duration
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): A big shock awaits millions of foreign students and visitors in the United States. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed sweeping changes to the visa system, ending the long-standing “duration of status” rule that allowed indefinite stay for F (students), J (exchange visitors), and I (foreign media representatives) visa holders.
Under the new proposal, all these categories will be allowed to stay only for a fixed, limited period. Once the time limit expires, visa holders will be required to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) from DHS if they wish to remain in the country. The move, DHS says, is aimed at tightening monitoring, preventing visa fraud, and strengthening national security.
Key Proposed Changes
F and J visa holders: Entry or extension capped at a maximum of 4 years.
F-1 students: Grace period after completing studies cut down from 60 days to 30 days.
Graduate-level F-1 students: Will not be allowed to switch programs midway.
I visa holders (foreign journalists): Maximum stay capped at 240 days, with limited exceptions.
Impact of the Move
If implemented, this rule will drastically change the US immigration system for foreign students and professionals. In 2023 alone, America welcomed over 1.6 million F-1 students, more than 5 lakh J exchange visitors, and nearly 32,500 I visa holders. DHS claims that tracking such large numbers under the current open-ended system has become nearly impossible, leading to misuse of visas.
Public Feedback Invited
The US government has invited public comments on the proposal under Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001 through the Federal Register. Experts say if the proposal is finalized, it could reshape the future of international education, cultural exchange, and foreign media presence in the US.
While the government insists the move will bring transparency and tighter security, critics warn it may discourage talented students and professionals from choosing the US as their destination.