WASHINGTON, July 17: The United States has announced major changes to its visa policy for international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists, introducing fixed admission periods and stricter monitoring requirements for nonimmigrant visa holders.
The new regulations issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will replace a decades old system that allowed many foreign nationals to stay in the country for an indefinite period as long as they maintained their approved status.
The revised policy will directly affect individuals holding F-category student visas, J-category exchange visitor visas and I-category media visas, including a significant number of Indian nationals studying and working in the US.
DHS Ends Decades Old Duration of Status Policy
Under the previous framework, international students were generally admitted for the “duration of status,” meaning they could remain in the US as long as they continued meeting programme requirements. The system did not specify a fixed departure date.
The DHS said the new rule aims to create clearer limits on the length of stay and improve federal oversight of foreign nationals.
According to officials, students and exchange visitors will now be admitted only for the duration of their approved programme, with a maximum limit of four years.
Those who need additional time to complete their academic programmes will have to apply for an official extension through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The department said the new process will bring extension requests under direct federal supervision and include additional screening measures such as biometric verification, background checks and fraud detection procedures.
New Rules Reduce Post-Graduation Transition Period
The updated regulations also shorten the time available for F visa holders after completing their studies.
Previously, international students had up to 60 days after graduation to leave the country, transfer to another educational institution or apply for a change in immigration status.
Under the revised policy, this transition period has been reduced to 30 days.
However, students eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) will continue to follow existing regulations governing employment opportunities after graduation.
Journalists Face New Limits on Media Visas
Foreign journalists holding I-category visas will also experience major changes under the new system.
The duration of media visas will now be limited to 240 days, while Chinese journalists will receive a maximum stay period of 90 days.
Previously, I visas did not have a specific time limit and could remain valid for several years depending on circumstances.
The DHS said the updated rules are intended to ensure regular review and monitoring of foreign media professionals working in the United States.
Large Number of Indian Students Likely to Be Affected
The policy change is expected to have a considerable impact on Indian students, who represent one of the largest groups of international learners in the United States.
According to the Open Doors 2025 report, around 363,019 Indian students were enrolled in American colleges and universities during the 2024-25 academic year.
Indian students account for nearly 31 per cent of all international students studying in the US, making them the largest foreign student community in the country.
Education experts said the new rules could require students to plan their academic schedules more carefully, especially those pursuing longer programmes such as doctoral research or specialised courses.
US Government Cites Immigration Control and Security Concerns
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the updated regulations are designed to prevent misuse of student and exchange programmes.
He claimed that the previous system allowed some individuals to remain in the US by repeatedly enrolling in educational courses without completing meaningful academic goals.
According to the DHS, introducing fixed admission periods will help authorities conduct regular reviews and ensure that visa holders continue to meet eligibility requirements.
The department said the changes will strengthen national security, reduce visa violations and improve the integrity of the immigration system.
Existing Visa Holders to Move Under New Framework
The DHS clarified that current nonimmigrant visa holders who entered under the previous “duration of status” system will automatically transition to the new rules.
Their authorised stay will be limited to a maximum of four years from the effective date of the regulation unless they receive an approved extension.
The government said applicants requiring additional time will need to provide valid reasons and undergo further evaluation.
Impact on Future International Students
The new visa framework is expected to bring significant changes for students planning to pursue education in the US.
Universities may need to provide more guidance to international students regarding programme completion timelines, extension applications and immigration compliance.
For Indian students, who form a major part of the US international education landscape, experts believe the new rules will make advance planning more important than ever.
While the administration argues that the changes will improve transparency and security, education advocates have raised concerns that stricter timelines could create additional challenges for students involved in research, internships and extended academic programmes.