Amanze Chinonye
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled sweeping changes to its visa regulations, replacing the long-standing “duration of status” system with fixed periods of stay for international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists, marking another phase of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown.
The final rule, published on Thursday, introduces fixed admission periods for holders of F visas for international students, J visas for cultural exchange participants and I visas for foreign media representatives.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelUnder the previous system, these visa holders were permitted to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic programme, exchange assignment or employment, provided they maintained their legal status.
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Under the new regulations, most F and J visa holders will be admitted for a maximum of four years, or for the duration of their academic or exchange programme if it is shorter. Those requiring additional time to complete their studies, research or authorised practical training must apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension before their authorised stay expires.
Foreign journalists will also face tighter restrictions. Holders of I visas will be admitted for up to 240 days, while Chinese journalists will be limited to 90 days. DHS said affected visa holders may apply for extensions where necessary.
The rule, which is expected to take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, subject to congressional review, also reduces the post-study grace period for international students from 60 days to 30 days. It further prohibits graduate students from changing their educational objectives or transferring to another institution without prior authorisation.
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According to DHS, the changes are intended to strengthen immigration oversight and prevent abuse of student and exchange visa programmes. The department said the volume of such admissions has grown significantly, with more than 1.8 million student visa admissions recorded in 2024, representing an 11 per cent increase over the previous year.
It also reported issuing visas to more than 500,000 exchange visitors and about 37,300 foreign media representatives during the 2024 fiscal year.
DHS said the increase has made it more difficult to effectively monitor visa holders and cited instances of students and exchange visitors remaining in the United States for decades under the existing “duration of status” system.
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Under the new framework, visa holders seeking to remain in the United States beyond their authorised period must either obtain an extension from DHS or leave the country and apply for readmission.
The regulations have drawn criticism from immigration and higher education experts, who argue that they will create unnecessary administrative hurdles for international students and universities.
Doug Rand, a former DHS official, said the changes would undermine the country’s ability to attract global talent.
“Most Americans understand the value of welcoming international students and getting rid of needless red tape. This rule would do the opposite,” he said.
David Bier, Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute, questioned the legal basis for restrictions on academic transfers and warned that the shorter grace period could leave graduates with insufficient time to secure employment or transition to another legal immigration status.
The policy is expected to affect thousands of Nigerian students, exchange participants and journalists pursuing academic and professional opportunities in the United States.
Those whose programmes extend beyond their initial period of admission will be required to seek extensions or leave the country and apply for readmission, adding new administrative and immigration requirements.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
