"U.S. Moves to Limit Student Visas to Four Years to Prevent 'Perpetual Students'"

Department of Homeland Security Unveils Draft Regulation
Limits Visa Validity for Foreign Students, Exchange Visitors, and Journalists
Aims to Prevent “Perpetual Students” and Visa Abuse

Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. Photo by Getty Images Yonhap News

The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump is moving to restrict the validity period of non-immigrant visas issued to foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists.

On the 27th (local time), the Department of Homeland Security announced a proposed regulation that would limit the validity period of visas for foreign students (F visas) and exchange visitors (J visas) to the duration of their respective programs, but not exceeding four years.

In addition, the stay period for foreign correspondents (I visas) will be limited to 240 days. Journalist visas can be extended for another 240 days, but only up to the time required to complete their assigned duties.

The Department of Homeland Security explained that currently, holders of these visas can remain in the United States indefinitely as long as they continue to meet the conditions under which the visa was issued, without a set expiration date.

For example, a foreign student entering the United States with an F visa can remain in the country as long as they continue their studies at an educational institution approved by the Department of Homeland Security. J visa holders can stay for the duration of their exchange program, and journalists with I visas can remain until their period of assignment in the United States ends. This also applies to family members who received visas together.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that some foreign students have become "perpetual students" by continuously enrolling in higher education institutions to remain in the United States. The department explained that the proposed regulation aims to prevent visa abuse and will help properly screen and supervise such foreign nationals.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said, "For far too long, previous administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the United States virtually indefinitely, posing security risks, imposing significant costs on taxpayers, and disadvantaging American citizens."

Meanwhile, Politico, a U.S. political media outlet, pointed out that administrative obstacles such as delays in visa interviews are having a negative impact on international student enrollment. According to a survey report by the Institute of International Education (IIE) targeting higher education institutions, the proportion of schools reporting a decrease in applications for the upcoming fall semester reached 35%, a significant increase from 17% the previous year.