The United States government has announced a proposal to reduce the validity period of visas for foreign students and international journalists, citing the need to curb visa abuse and strengthen national security.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), F visas for students will now be capped at four years, meaning those in longer academic programs, such as doctoral studies, will need to reapply for extensions.
For international journalists, visas will be limited to 240 days, with only one possible extension—a significant reduction from previous long-term validity periods.
The move has sparked criticism from U.S. higher education leaders, who argue that the policy could disrupt academic programs, discourage global talent, and weaken America’s position as a top destination for international education and research.
Experts warn the new rules could create uncertainty, forcing students and scholars to navigate repeated applications, additional security checks, and disruptions in their studies.
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