US ends indefinite student visas, caps F, J and I stays at four years

The US has ended indefinite stays for students, exchange visitors and journalists on F, J and I visas. The rule imposes fixed terms, tighter vetting and shorter post-study timelines.

In Short

• Current visa holders will automatically shift to the new admission framework
• Students needing more time must seek federal extensions through USCIS
• Applications will face biometric vetting, background checks and fraud screening

The US on Thursday tightened rules for visas issued to foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists, ending a system that had allowed them to stay in the country for an indefinite period without direct government oversight. Under a new regulation issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), people on F, J and I nonimmigrant visas will now be admitted for fixed periods.

DHS said students on F visas and exchange visitors on J visas will be allowed to stay for the duration of their specific programme, subject to a maximum of four years. It also said current nonimmigrant visa holders in the US under the earlier “duration of status” system will automatically move to the new framework, with their authorised stay capped at a maximum of four years from the rule’s effective date.

The F category covers students, the J category covers exchange visitors, and the I category covers journalists. DHS said a fixed period of admission is already in place for many other types of nonimmigrant visas.

“For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the US indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the US,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement. He added that by introducing clear, finite limits on these visas, the US is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet and monitor individuals within its borders.

“This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home,” he said.

DHS said the change restores integrity to the immigration system, addresses visa abuse and strengthens national security through regular vetting. According to the department, foreign students have been admitted for an unspecified period since 1978, which enabled thousands to become “forever students” by continuing to enrol in courses to avoid leaving the country.

Under the new rule, visa holders who need more time to complete an academic programme must apply directly to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for an Extension of Stay. DHS said this shifts oversight from university staff back to federal authorities and subjects applicants to biometric vetting, background checks and fraud screenings.

The rule also reduces the time available to F-1 students after graduation to prepare for departure, transfer schools or change status from 60 days to 30 days. It also introduces strict limits on academic changes. Overall, the new rule replaces the open-ended system for these visa categories with a fixed-period model and tighter federal oversight.

With PTI Inputs

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