U.S. Sets Four-Year Limit on Student and Exchange Visas, 240 Days on Media Visas, with Extension Option

The Trump administration announced new measures on Thursday to cap the duration of visas for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists, The Independent reported. The Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule that sets fixed time periods for F visas, J visas, and I visas.

F visas for international students and J visas for cultural exchange participants will be limited to four years.

I visas for media professionals will be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals. Visa holders may apply for extensions or re-enter the United States after traveling abroad. The changes will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, pending congressional review.

The Independent reported that the rule forms part of an immigration crackdown initiated by President Donald Trump in January 2025. The Department of Homeland Security cited a dramatic rise in these visa categories. It reported over 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, an 11 percent increase from the prior year.

The United States issued visas to more than 500,000 exchange visitors and 37,300 media members in fiscal year 2024, which began October 1, 2023. The agency stated that the increase poses a challenge to monitoring and oversight, noting instances of individuals remaining for decades on their visas.