WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has proposed sweeping new immigration regulations that would impose fixed time limits on visas issued to international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists, as part of its broader effort to tighten immigration controls.
The proposed rules would limit student and exchange visitor visas to a maximum stay of four years, while visas for foreign journalists would be valid for up to 240 days. Journalists from China would face a shorter limit of 90 days. Visa holders would be able to apply for extensions if they wish to remain in the United States beyond the approved period.
The proposal is the latest in a series of immigration measures introduced since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. His administration has expanded scrutiny of both legal and illegal immigration, including revoking visas and green cards in certain cases and tightening immigration enforcement.
Under the proposed regulations, graduate students would no longer be allowed to change their educational objectives or transfer to another institution without prior government approval.
The rules would also reduce the grace period for international students after completing their studies from 60 days to 30 days, giving them less time to secure employment, change their immigration status or make arrangements to leave the country.
Immigration experts have criticised the proposed changes, arguing that they would create unnecessary barriers for international students and researchers while making it more difficult for graduates to transition into the US workforce.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, said the measures are intended to strengthen oversight of temporary visa holders amid a sharp increase in admissions.
According to the department, the United States recorded more than 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, representing an increase of over 11 per cent compared with the previous year. During the same fiscal year, the country also issued visas to more than 500,000 exchange visitors and 37,300 foreign media representatives.
The DHS said the growing number of temporary visa holders has made it more challenging to effectively monitor compliance with immigration regulations. It added that some students and exchange visitors have remained in the country for decades by repeatedly extending their stay.
Under the proposal, individuals wishing to remain in the United States beyond their authorised period would be required to apply for an extension through the Department of Homeland Security or leave the country and seek readmission under a new visa.
