The United States government has unveiled plans to drastically shorten the validity period of visas issued to international students and foreign journalists.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the proposed rule would cap F visas for students at four years, compared to the current system that allows them to cover the full duration of academic programs sometimes stretching beyond five years, particularly for doctoral degrees.
For journalists, visa validity would be limited to 240 days, with the option of a single extension of another 240 days, subject to approval by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, the total period would not exceed the length of their assignment.
Previously, foreign media workers including those from Germany have received visas valid for up to five years.
The DHS said the new restrictions are designed to curb visa abuse, reduce security risks, and ensure closer oversight.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the US virtually indefinitely,” the agency said. “This practice poses security risks and financial burdens, and may disadvantage U.S. citizens.”
But the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. universities and immigration advocates.
Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warned that the changes would create instability for both students and institutions.
“The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum said. “This uncertainty could discourage global talent from choosing the U.S. for education and research.”
The rule, if finalized, would mark one of the most significant shifts in U.S. visa policy for academics and foreign media in decades.
