US Slashes Student Visa Limit to 4 Years, Caps Journalist Visas at 240 Days

The United States is moving to tighten its visa rules for foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists by replacing the long-standing "duration of status" system with fixed-term visas, a change that could affect how millions of international visitors study, work and report from the country.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule on Thursday that limits F (student) and J (exchange visitor) visas to a maximum of four years, while I visas for foreign journalists will now be valid for up to 240 days.

Chinese journalists, though, will face an even shorter 90-day limit, although visa holders will be able to apply for extensions. The rule is scheduled to take effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register, pending congressional review

US Expands Visa Bond Policy to 50 Countries as AI Talent Competition Intensifies

As global demand for skilled workers heats up, the U.S. is tightening short-term visa rules with a refundable bond requirement aimed at reducing overstays.

TechloyDavid Adubiina

What Is Changing Under the New Visa Rules?

For decades, most international students entered the US under a "duration of status" system, allowing them to remain in the country for as long as they maintained their academic programme or authorised employment. Under the new regulation, that flexibility will end.