The United States has introduced new visa regulations that will change how long foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists can stay in the country.
Under the new rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), F, J, and I visas will now have fixed validity periods instead of remaining valid for the duration of an approved academic program, exchange activity, or media employment.
The regulation will take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, subject to congressional review.
What Will Change Under the New Visa Rule?
The updated regulation sets specific admission periods for several nonimmigrant visa categories.
Under the new policy, F visas for international students and J visas for cultural exchange visitors will remain valid for no longer than four years.
Meanwhile, I visas issued to foreign journalists will be limited to 240 days.
However, Chinese nationals holding journalist visas will receive admission for only 90 days.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that eligible visa holders may apply for extensions after their authorized stay expires.
Why Has the US Introduced Fixed Visa Periods?
The Department of Homeland Security said the changes aim to improve oversight of nonimmigrant visa holders.
According to the department, the number of admissions under these visa categories has increased significantly in recent years.
Officials reported more than 1.8 million student visa admissions during 2024.
That figure represented an increase of more than 11 percent compared with the previous year.
Additionally, the United States granted visas to more than 500,000 exchange visitors during fiscal year 2024.
Authorities also issued visas to approximately 37,300 members of the foreign media during the same period.
The department stated that the growing number of admissions has created challenges in monitoring visa holders while they remain in the country.
DHS Highlights Long-Term Stays
According to the Department of Homeland Security, officials have identified multiple cases in which students and exchange visitors remained in the United States for decades under the existing system.
The department believes fixed admission periods will strengthen immigration oversight and improve compliance with visa requirements.
As a result, visitors wishing to remain beyond their authorized stay must complete additional immigration procedures.
How Can Visa Holders Stay Longer?
The new regulation explains that visa holders seeking additional time in the United States must apply to the Department of Homeland Security for an extension before their authorized stay expires.
Alternatively, they may travel outside the United States and seek readmission under applicable immigration rules.
The updated policy changes the admission framework for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists while introducing fixed time limits for each eligible visa category.
