Saturday, August 30, 2025 - The United States Government has announced plans to 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, which allow foreign students to study in the
U.S, at a maximum of four years.
At present, student visas typically cover the full duration
of an academic program, which can run beyond five years for doctoral
candidates.
For international media professionals, visa validity would
be limited to 240 days with the option of a single extension for another 240
days.
For journalists, visas would not be permitted to exceed the
length of their assignments.
Any request for an extension would require applications
through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), subjecting
applicants to additional security checks.
Previously, journalists from countries such as Germany have
been granted visas lasting up to five years.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign
students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely,”
DHS stated. “This practice poses security risks and financial burdens, and may
disadvantage U.S. citizens.”
The department noted that the changes were designed to curb
visa abuse and strengthen oversight.
However, the proposal has already sparked backlash from the
U.S. higher education sector.
Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’
Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, criticised the plan, warning it
would create new challenges for both students and universities.
“The rule would force international students and scholars to
regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and
straining university operations,” Feldblum said.
She further cautioned that the uncertainty could discourage
international talent from pursuing education and research opportunities in the
U.S.
0 Comments