The Trump administration has announced a new rule that ends the open-ended stay policy for many foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States. Under this rule, individuals in certain visa categories like F, J, and I will now have time-limited admissions and will be subject to mandatory federal reviews for visa extensions. The Department of Homeland Security stated that this change aims to enhance the integrity of the immigration system, prevent visa abuse, and bolster national security through regular government assessments.
The previous “duration of status” framework for non-immigrant visa holders has been replaced by this final regulation. Foreign students, media representatives, and exchange visitors will now be admitted for the duration of their approved program, with a maximum stay limit of four years. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized that this move is crucial to prevent immigration fraud and ensure that foreign students focus on completing their studies and returning to their home countries.
Since 1978, foreign students have been admitted under an unspecified period of stay, allowing some to exploit the system by continuously enrolling in academic programs. The new regulation establishes fixed admission periods and transfers the authority over extensions from educational institutions to the federal government. Students or exchange visitors requiring more time for their academic pursuits must now apply directly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay, undergoing biometric vetting, background checks, and fraud screening in the process.
The final rule also includes a reduction in the departure grace period for F-1 students from 60 days to 30 days after graduation, transfer, or change of status. Moreover, stricter limits on academic program changes have been introduced. The regulation is set to be published in the Federal Register soon and will become effective 60 days after publication. Existing foreign students and other non-immigrant visa holders in the U.S. will transition automatically to the new framework, with their authorized stay capped at a maximum of four years from the rule’s implementation date.
