US Proposes Four-Year Cap On Student Visas And 240-Day Limit For Journalists.
The United States has unveiled a proposal to impose stricter time limits on visas for foreign students and journalists, aiming to enhance oversight and curb perceived abuses of the immigration system. Announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on 27 August 2025, the rule would cap student visas at four years and limit journalist visas to an initial 240-day stay, marking a significant shift from current policies.
Under the existing system, foreign students holding F visas can remain in the US for the duration of their academic programme, a policy known as “duration of status.” This allows stays that can extend beyond four years, particularly for postgraduate studies like PhDs. The proposed rule would replace this with a fixed four-year limit, requiring students to apply for extensions through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if their programme exceeds this period. The DHS argues that some students have exploited the system by remaining perpetually enrolled as “forever students” to extend their stay, a practice they claim poses security risks and burdens taxpayers.
For foreign journalists holding I visas, the proposal introduces a 240-day initial stay, with the option to apply for a single extension of up to 240 days, not exceeding the length of their assignment. Chinese journalists face an even stricter 90-day cap. Previously, journalists could remain for the duration of their employment without a fixed time limit. The DHS contends that these changes will improve vetting and reduce overstays, enhancing national security.
The proposal, which revives a similar 2020 initiative withdrawn by the Biden administration in 2021, has sparked debate. The US hosted approximately 1.6 million international students and 13,000 journalists in 2024, with students contributing significantly to university revenues and global talent pools. Critics, including the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warn that the four-year cap could deter international students, particularly those in longer research programmes, and harm US universities’ global competitiveness. Media organisations also express concerns that the 240-day limit could disrupt long-term reporting assignments.
The DHS defends the changes, stating they will ensure “proper oversight” and reduce the number of visa holders in the country. The proposal includes a 30-day grace period for students post-programme, down from 60 days, to prepare for departure or transition. A 30-day public comment period is now open, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns before the rule is finalised.
While supporters view the policy as a necessary step to strengthen immigration controls, opponents argue it risks alienating global talent and undermining academic and press freedoms. As the debate unfolds, the proposed changes signal a broader push to tighten legal immigration under the Trump administration, with potential implications for international students and journalists worldwide.
