The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a new directive terminating the policy of indefinite stays for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists. Moving forward, these visa holders will be limited to a maximum four-year period of admission, effectively replacing the previous duration of status policy.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the change is intended to bolster national security, reduce immigration fraud, and ensure better oversight of non-immigrant visitors. The government claims the previous system lacked sufficient federal review, allowing some individuals to remain in the country indefinitely by simply staying enrolled in programs.
Under the new regulation, F and J visa holders are restricted to the duration of their specific academic programs, capped at four years. Students requiring more time must petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension, a process that includes biometric screening and background checks. Additionally, the post-graduation grace period for F-1 students has been shortened from 60 days to 30 days.
This policy brings these visa categories in line with other non-immigrant visas that already utilize fixed admission windows. Existing visa holders will transition into this new framework, with their stay authorized for up to four years from the regulation’s effective date. The rule will take effect 60 days following its publication in the Federal Register, with implementation managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
