- US To Shorten Student, Journalist Visa Validity
- Journalists’ visas reduced to 240 days with strict extensions.
- Critics warn the move could damage U.S. academic reputation
The United States Government has unveiled new plans to reduce the validity period of visas issued to foreign students and international journalists.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the move is aimed at preventing visa abuse and tightening security oversight.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that under the proposed rule, student visas (F visas) would be capped at a maximum of four years instead of covering the full duration of academic programs as previously allowed.
This means students in doctoral programs, which often last beyond five years, would need to reapply for extensions before completing their studies.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely,” DHS stated, adding that the practice creates security and financial risks while disadvantaging American citizens.
For international journalists, visa validity would be restricted to 240 days, with the possibility of a single extension for another 240 days. The DHS emphasized that journalists’ visas must not exceed the duration of their professional assignments. Previously, correspondents from some countries, including Germany, were granted visas valid for up to five years.
Any request for extension would now be processed through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with additional security checks.
The plan has already drawn criticism from U.S. higher education leaders, who warn that it could hurt the country’s global academic competitiveness. Miriam Feldblum, President and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, argued that the rule would create disruptions for 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 could deter highly skilled international talent from choosing U.S. universities.
