Washington, D.C. | August 28, 2025
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed new rules that would impose fixed limits on the validity of visas for international students and foreign journalists, replacing the long-standing “duration of status” system.
Under the proposal, F-1 student visas would be capped at a maximum of four years, or until the end of an academic program, whichever comes first. Students whose programs exceed this duration, such as many doctoral degrees, would need to file for an extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The rule also shortens the post-study grace period from 60 to 30 days and places restrictions on program changes.
For I visa holders foreign media professionals the DHS has proposed a 240-day stay limit, with possible extensions. Chinese journalists would be subject to a stricter cap of 90 days, according to the draft rule.
According to DHS data cited in the proposal, the United States hosted approximately 1.6 million international students, 355,000 exchange visitors, and 13,000 foreign journalists in 2024.
Officials argue the changes are intended to tighten oversight of nonimmigrant visas and prevent misuse, but universities and advocacy groups have warned the rules could create uncertainty, discourage international applicants, and add bureaucratic burdens.
The rule was formally published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2025, triggering a 30-day public comment period before DHS can issue a final decision.
