The U.S. government has proposed new rules to limit the length of visas for international students and foreign journalists, a move officials say is aimed at tightening security but which critics warn could deter global talent.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Thursday that under the plan, F visas for foreign students would be capped at four years, instead of covering the full length of their academic programs, which can exceed five years for doctoral studies.
For journalists, visa validity would be restricted to 240 days, with the option of a one-time extension of another 240 days. The total period would not exceed the duration of an assignment, and any extensions would require approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), involving additional security checks.
Previously, reporters from countries such as Germany could obtain 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,” DHS said in a statement, arguing the practice created security risks, financial burdens, and potential disadvantages for American citizens.
Higher education leaders criticized the proposal. Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, said the change would create “unnecessary burdens” for students and institutions.
“The rule would force international students and scholars to submit repeated applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum said, adding that the uncertainty could push international talent to other countries.
The proposal is open for public comment before being finalized.
