U.S. To Limit Students, Journalists Visa Duration

THE United States (US) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a rule that would cap F visas, which allow foreign students to study in the country at a maximum of four years.
Currently, student visas typically cover the full duration of an academic programme, 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.
However, journalists’ visas would not be permitted to exceed the length of their assignments and any request for an extension would require applications through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), subjecting applicants to additional security checks.
Before now, journalists from countries, such as Germany, have been granted visas lasting up to five years.
According to the Department: “For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely.
“This practice poses security risks and financial burdens, and may disadvantage U.S. citizens.”
It stated that the changes were designed to curb visa abuse and strengthen oversight. But the proposal has already sparked backlash from the US higher education sector.
According to Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, the plan would create new challenges for both students and universities.
He stated “the rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” warning that such uncertainty could discourage international talent from pursuing education and research opportunities in the US.