DHS Finalizes Rule Capping F, J, and I Visas at Four Years Maximum and 240 Days for Journalists

The Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule on July 17, 2025, that limits the duration of F and J nonimmigrant visas to the length of an academic program, with a maximum stay of four years. The rule also caps I visas for foreign journalists at 240 days, with a 90-day limit for Chinese nationals, and reduces the post-graduation grace period for F visa holders from 60 days to 30 days.

The rule will be published in the Federal Register and will take effect 60 days after publication, potentially as early as September 2025. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that thousands of foreign students have been allowed to remain in the United States indefinitely by perpetually enrolling in courses.

He said the rule ensures foreign students remain focused on completing their studies and returning home. Under the new rule, F and J visa holders will be permitted to remain in the United States.

If a student needs additional time to complete an academic program, they must apply for an extension through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The department received close to 22,000 public comments on the proposal issued in August 2025.

The Embassy of Japan had urged longer admission periods of two to five years for correspondents, but DHS rejected those requests along with proposals for expedited processing and capped fees. A similar rule was proposed at the end of the first Trump administration but was withdrawn by the Biden administration.

The United States admitted more than 1.1 million international students in the 2023-24 academic year, who contributed more than $50 billion to the economy in 2023.

The new rule is subject to review by the Republican-led Congress.