US to change visa duration regulations for foreign students, journalists

Lead

The Trump administration has finalized a new rule that ends open-ended stays for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists in the United States, replacing the decades-old "duration of status" system with fixed time limits. The rule, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday, limits international students and exchange visitors to four years, while foreign journalists will be admitted for up to 240 days at a time, or 90 days for Chinese nationals. Anyone wishing to stay longer must apply for an extension or leave the country and re-apply, as reported by Al Jazeera, Dawn, and Yonhap News.

The regulation takes effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, subject to congressional review, according to The Hindu and Jerusalem Post. The move is part of President Trump's broader crackdown on immigration since returning to office in January 2025, as noted by Al Jazeera and Jerusalem Post.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of the new rule was widespread, with most outlets focusing on the impact on students and journalists. Africa News highlighted the shift of authority from universities to the federal government, noting that universities previously had the power to approve extensions themselves, a power that will now reside in Washington. The Hindu emphasized the rule's creation of fixed time periods for F, J, and I visas, which were previously available for the duration of the program or employment. Yonhap News added a local angle, reporting that more than 13,000 South Koreans currently in the US under these categories would be affected.

A distinct perspective came from the South China Morning Post, which reported that African students are altering their education plans due to US immigration policies, with some choosing to study in China instead. The article quoted a Nigerian student who, after being denied a US visa, said he decided to go to China because it is "cheaper, the standards are good, and business between Africa and China is growing." This story frames the visa changes within a broader trend of students reconsidering the US as a destination.

Key Claims

• Four-year limit for students and exchange visitors: Multiple outlets, including Al Jazeera, Dawn, Jerusalem Post, and Yonhap News, reported that international students on F visas and exchange visitors on J visas will be admitted for no longer than four years. Dawn noted that this could particularly impact PhD candidates and those in research-heavy programs that often take longer to complete.
• Journalist visa limits: Al Jazeera and Jerusalem Post reported that journalists on I visas will be admitted for up to 240 days, with Chinese nationals limited to 90 days. This marks a significant reduction from the previous system where journalist visas could last for years.
• Extension process: According to Africa News, Al Jazeera, and Dawn, students needing more time must apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension, or leave the country and re-apply. Yonhap News added that extensions will require biometric and background checks.
• Government rationale: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, quoted by Dawn and Yonhap, said the rule addresses "abuse" of the immigration system by students who "perpetually enroll in courses to avoid having to leave the US." He argued the limits ensure students "remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home." Al Jazeera reported that DHS found more than 2,100 people who entered as students from 2000 to 2010 still had student status as of April 2026.
• Scale of impact: Al Jazeera reported that there were over 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, an increase of 11% from the previous year, and more than 500,000 exchange visitors and 37,300 foreign journalists in the 2024 fiscal year. Yonhap reported the new rule would affect more than 13,000 South Koreans.
• Criticism from educators: Africa News reported that NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, called the rules "misguided and unnecessary." Its chief executive, Fanta Aw, said the policy adds confusion and red tape to a system that already works well.

Perspectives

The Trump administration, through DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, framed the rule as a necessary measure to prevent visa abuse and enhance national security screening. In a statement quoted by multiple outlets, Mullin said, "For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the US indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the US." He added that the rule ensures students "return home" after completing their studies.

In contrast, NAFSA, representing international educators, criticized the policy. Fanta Aw, its chief executive, said the rules are "misguided and unnecessary," adding that the new requirements will burden students and institutions without improving the system, as reported by Africa News.

The South China Morning Post also provided a student perspective, with African students describing how the shifting US immigration landscape is pushing them toward alternative destinations like China. One student, Kunle Adeyemi, framed the change as a positive turn, citing lower costs and growing Africa-China business ties.