US moves to shorten visa duration for students, journalists

The U.S. government has announced plans to shorten the validity period of visas for international students and journalists, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Under the proposed rule, F visas, which permit foreign students to study in the United States, would be capped at a maximum of four years. At present, students typically receive visas that cover the entire duration of their academic programs, which for doctoral degrees can extend beyond five years.

For foreign media professionals, visa validity would be limited to 240 days, with the possibility of an extension for another 240 days. However, journalists’ visas would not exceed the length of their assignments. Any request for extensions would have to be filed through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), prompting additional security reviews.

Previously, journalists from countries such as Germany were issued 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,” the DHS said. It argued that this practice created security risks, imposed financial burdens, and sometimes disadvantaged American citizens.

The department explained that the proposed changes are intended to prevent visa abuse and allow for more effective oversight.

However, the announcement has sparked criticism from the U.S. higher education sector.

Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, cautioned that the rule would place unnecessary burdens on students and institutions.

“The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum said. She added that the uncertainty might discourage international talent from pursuing education and research opportunities in the U.S.

The proposal now awaits public input, and its final outcome could significantly affect international education and journalism in the United States of America.