The U.S. government is moving forward with plans to impose stricter limits on visa durations for international students, exchange program participants, and foreign media representatives. Under a newly proposed regulation, individuals in these categories would be required to formally apply for extensions if they wish to remain in the country beyond their initial authorized period.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance oversight of temporary visitors. Officials argue that fixed-term visas will improve the government’s ability to monitor the status and activities of foreign nationals during their stay.
Currently, many foreign students and exchange visitors are admitted for what is termed “duration of status,” allowing them to remain in the U.S. as long as they comply with their program requirements. The proposed change would replace this with a specific visa end date. Similarly, media visas would also shift to a fixed term.
The public will have 30 days to submit comments on the proposed rule. A similar measure was introduced during the previous administration but was later withdrawn.
