The administration of United States President Donald Trump has finalised a new immigration rule that limits most foreign students and exchange visitors to a maximum stay of four years in the country unless they obtain an extension from the Federal Government.
The new regulation, announced by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, brings an end to the long-standing “duration of status” policy, which previously allowed international students to remain in the United States for the entire length of their academic programmes, provided they complied with the conditions of their visas.
The policy affects students on F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas, introducing a fixed period of stay instead of an open-ended duration linked to their studies.
According to The Washington Post, the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that the new rule could pose challenges for many students, as several academic programmes exceed four years. While many bachelor’s degree programmes require more than four years to complete, doctoral studies often take significantly longer.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the policy change is aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement and reducing visa overstays.
“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” Mullin said.
However, the policy has drawn criticism from education stakeholders. NAFSA: Association of International Educators described the move as unnecessary and warned that it would create uncertainty for thousands of international students studying in the United States.
NAFSA Executive Director Fanta Aw said ending the duration of status policy would increase bureaucracy and make it more difficult for international students to plan their education.
“DHS’ decision to end Duration of Status is a misguided and unnecessary policy shift that injects uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear into a system that has long worked effectively,” Aw said.
The latest rule comes as many American colleges and universities are already grappling with declining international student enrolment amid stricter immigration measures and tighter visa policies introduced under the Trump administration.
The policy is expected to have significant implications for prospective and current international students, many of whom may now need to apply for extensions if their academic programmes extend beyond the new four-year limit.
