Trump Administration Proposes New Rule to Limit Stay of Foreign Students in the U.S.
The Trump Administration introduced a new proposed rule aimed at limiting the length of stay for foreign students, professors, doctors, media representatives, and other temporary visa holders in the United States.
The main goal is to reduce visa abuse, establish stricter controls, and increase oversight by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
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Proposed Changes to Student and Visitor Visas
Since 1978, foreign students entering the U.S. with an F visa were admitted under the “duration of status” modality, which allowed them to remain indefinitely as long as they maintained active enrollment, without the need for renewals or additional verifications.
The new proposed rule establishes:
- Initial stay limit: Up to 4 years, or the length of the educational program, whichever comes first.
- Extension requests: Students will have to apply for extensions with USCIS, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Foreign media representatives: An initial limit of 240 days, with the possibility of an additional extension of up to 240 more days.
- Periodic evaluations: DHS will conduct stricter checks and oversight through SEVP and SEVIS.
Objectives of the Measure
DHS argues that the current system has allowed some students to become “perpetual students,” indefinitely enrolled in university courses only to remain legally in the U.S.
The rule seeks to:
- Prevent visa abuse.
- Improve oversight of temporary visa holders.
- Optimize DHS resources and reduce taxpayer costs.
- Strengthen national security through more frequent checks.
“For far too long, previous administrations have allowed virtually indefinite stays. This rule would put an end to that abuse once and for all,” said a DHS spokesperson.
Background of the Proposal
- First proposal: 2020, during the Trump administration.
- Withdrawal of the rule: 2021, under the Biden administration.
- Reactivation: August 2025, resuming security and immigration control arguments.
Next Steps
Currently, the rule is only a proposal. Before taking effect it must go through:
- Public comment period.
- Legal and technical review by DHS and USCIS.
- Final publication in the Federal Register.
If approved, the new regulation will directly impact international students, exchange programs, foreign professionals, and media representatives.
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