The Trump administration has published a proposed rule to end indefinite visa stays for international students, professors, physicians, and media members. By limiting admission periods to fixed durations of up to four years, the policy would prevent visa abuse, increase federal oversight, and encourage greater accountability in student and exchange programs.
Proposal Targets Indefinite Visa Stays
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Wednesday that it is moving to limit the long-standing practice of granting indefinite stays to international students and other visa holders.
F visa holders are currently admitted under “duration of status,” a status that allows them to remain in the U.S. without definite time limits.
Administration officials argue this structure has rendered the immigration system open to abuse, with some exploiting multiple enrollments to extend their stay indefinitely.
Officials say the proposed rule would insert oversight and accountability into a system that has operated primarily on trust rather than continuous screening.
Fixed Admission Periods Proposed
The new regulation would end open-ended stays and include definite admission periods. International students and exchange visitors would be allowed to remain for the duration of their academic or exchange programs, up to a maximum of four years.
The DHS says the rule change would shut the door on individuals using student visas as a pathway to residency without permission and ensure that those who are admitted are bona fide students or pursuing legitimate cultural opportunities.
The proposal also imposes new admission restrictions on foreign media representatives, who would be granted initial stays of no more than 240 days, with extensions not exceeding the duration of their assignments.
The DHS has been clear that the purpose is not to discourage international participation in American institutions, but to render such participation temporary and documented.
Increased Oversight Through USCIS
According to the regulation, any request for an extended stay would be made through a formal application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DHS says this requirement would enable regular review of applicants’ status, allowing immigration officials to verify eligibility and assess risks before granting additional time in the country.
The review process is meant to include updated documentation requirements, proof of continued enrollment, and compliance with visa conditions.
The regulation is also intended to increase monitoring through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). DHS maintains that routine extensions would provide access to more up-to-date information, reducing the number of overstays and facilitating enforcement activities.
By requiring petitions for extensions, the agency says it will gain a better understanding of who is in the country, why they are there, and for how long.
Looking Ahead
If enacted, the proposal would be a significant shift for international students and other temporary visa holders in the United States. Those in favor consider it an essential step to protect the integrity of the immigration system.
At the same time, those opposed are likely to warn about its potential impact on higher education and international interaction.
Universities that rely heavily on international admissions may face additional administrative challenges, as they would be responsible for overseeing the extra checks. Advocacy groups will likely argue that the change would render the U.S. less attractive to global talent.
Administration officials continue to assert, however, that the rule is aimed at striking a balance between openness and security, maintaining the nation’s transparency while safeguarding against abuse.
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Resources:
- https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/27/trump-administration-proposes-new-rule-end-foreign-student-visa-abuse
- https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-plans-impose-4-year-limits-foreign-students-studying-us.amp
- https://saharareporters.com/2025/08/28/trump-administration-proposes-new-rule-limiting-nigerians-other-foreign-students-four
- https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/27/dhs-aims-to-limit-how-long-foreign-students-can-study-in-the-u-s-00532433
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