US To Shorten Visa Duration For International Students, Journalists

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to shorten the duration of visas issued to international students and foreign journalists, citing national security and immigration control concerns.

Under the proposed rule, F visas—which are granted to foreign students—would be limited to a maximum of four years. Currently, these visas typically cover the full length of an academic program, including doctoral degrees that can exceed five years.

For international journalists, visa validity would be capped at 240 days, with the possibility of a single extension for another 240 days. Importantly, journalists’ visas would not be permitted to exceed the duration of their professional assignments in the U.S.

Any extension requests would need to be submitted through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), triggering additional security screenings.

Historically, media professionals from countries such as Germany have received U.S. visas valid for 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,” the DHS stated.

The agency argued that the current system poses “security risks and financial burdens, and may disadvantage U.S. citizens.”

The proposed changes are intended to improve oversight and reduce the potential for visa misuse.

However, the move has already sparked strong backlash from the U.S. higher education sector. Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, voiced concern over the policy’s impact on international students and academic institutions.

“The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum said.

She also warned that the increased uncertainty could discourage international students and researchers from choosing the United States as a destination for higher education.