Trump limits length of visas for students, exchange visitors, journalists

The United States Department of Homeland Security has introduced restrictions on visa duration for three categories of foreign visitors, marking a significant shift from previous policy. Under the new regulation, which takes effect 60 days after Federal Register publication, international students and exchange visitors will face a standard four-year limit on their stay. Foreign journalists admitted to the country will be permitted 240 days of residence, with the exception of Chinese nationals, who are restricted to 90 days. Those seeking to remain beyond these periods must apply for formal extensions or depart and reapply for entry.

The DHS justified the changes by citing administrative oversight challenges and security concerns. The department noted that it had identified more than 2,100 individuals who entered as students between 2000 and 2010 but maintained student status as recently as April 2025 through repeated program transfers or extensions. According to DHS data, the United States processed over 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, alongside more than 500,000 exchange visitor admissions and approximately 37,300 journalist visas during fiscal year 2024. The department stated that this volume creates difficulties in monitoring and tracking nonimmigrant populations.

The regulation also introduces stricter requirements for international students seeking to transfer institutions or change academic programs, particularly at the graduate level. The timing of the rule's implementation may affect college admissions cycles scheduled for August and September. This policy represents part of a broader immigration enforcement agenda, following the State Department's revocation of over 100,000 visas since the administration took office, including 8,000 student visas, many reportedly linked to political activism.