The Trump administration limited most foreign student visas to four years

United States President Donald Trump’s administration has introduced new immigration regulations that will generally limit international students and exchange visitors to a maximum stay of four years in the country unless they obtain approval for an extension.

The policy, finalized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), replaces the long-standing “duration of status” system that previously allowed eligible foreign students to remain in the United States as long as they maintained academic status and complied with the terms of their visas.

Under the new rules, a four-year time limit will apply to holders of F-1 student visas as well as J-1 exchange visitor visas.

According to a report by The Washington Post, the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that the policy could pose challenges for many students, especially those enrolled in programs that typically last more than four years. The department notes that many bachelor’s degrees take more than four years to complete, while doctoral programs often take much longer.

Defending the policy, Homeland Security Minister Markwayne Mullin said the changes were designed to tighten immigration controls and curb abuse of the student visa system.

“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has endangered national security and created an environment vulnerable to immigration fraud,” Mullin said.

But the announcement drew criticism from education advocates and organizations representing international students.

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The International Educators Association (NAFSA) argues that eliminating the “duration of status” policy would create unnecessary barriers for students and educational institutions.

“DHS’s decision to end Duration of Status is a misguided and unnecessary policy change that introduces uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear into a system that has long been operating effectively,” said NAFSA Executive Director Fanta Aw.

The new rules come at a time when many American colleges and universities are trying to maintain their appeal to international students amid stricter immigration policies and stricter visa regulations introduced during the Trump administration.

Education stakeholders have warned that the policy could make the United States a less attractive destination for foreign students, many of whom make significant contributions to the country’s academic research, innovation and higher education economy.