U.S. Plans Fixed Duration of Stay for International Students and Media Professionals

The Trump Administration is proposing a significant change to visa policies for international students and media professionals. If approved, this new rule would end indefinite visa stays, introducing fixed durations instead. The goal is to enhance oversight by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and reduce long-term overstays.

On Wednesday, the DHS announced potential new regulations that could alter how long international students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives can remain in the United States. If enacted, this rule would replace the existing “duration of status” policy, allowing visa holders to stay as long as they maintain their program or assignment without a specific expiration date.

Ending Indefinite Stay for Students

Since 1978, the U.S. has allowed international students on F visas to stay indefinitely under the “duration of status” system. This policy permits students to remain as long as they are enrolled in their studies, without a fixed end date. Unlike most visas, there was no limit on their stay or requirement for new reviews when seeking extensions.

Officials argue this system has allowed some individuals to stay in the country indefinitely by continuously enrolling in programs, leading to what critics call “forever students.” The DHS claims this has created oversight challenges and increased costs for the government.

What the Proposed Rule Would Change

Under the new proposal, F visa students, J visa exchange visitors, and I visa foreign media representatives (along with their dependents) would face fixed admission periods, similar to other nonimmigrant visa categories.

1. Students and Exchange Visitors (F and J visas)

• They would be admitted only for the duration necessary to complete their program, up to four years.
• Extensions would need to be requested through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Foreign Media Representatives (I visas)

• They would initially be granted a stay of 240 days, with an option to extend for another 240 days.
• The total duration could not exceed the length of their media assignment.
• This change means international students and others must adhere to specific timeframes and plan accordingly, as open-ended stays would no longer be available.

Increased Oversight

The DHS believes that fixed terms will simplify tracking and evaluating visa holders through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and its monitoring system, SEVIS. Regular reviews expected to reduce gaps in the system and limit the risk of overstays.

A Return to a 2020 Proposal

This proposal is not entirely new. In 2020, President Trump introduced similar regulations, which the Biden Administration later withdrew in 2021. By revisiting this idea now, the Trump team indicates a renewed emphasis on immigration oversight and stricter visa controls.

What This Means for Students and Professionals

If these regulations take effect, it would significantly impact foreign students, exchange visitors, and media workers. Instead of open-ended stays linked to enrollment or assignments, they would need to navigate set timeframes and apply for extensions as necessary.

For international students, this means more careful planning around academic programs, graduation timelines, and visa renewals. Universities and employers may also face increased administrative burdens to assist students in managing these changes effectively.