New US Visa Rule: What It Means for Foreign Students & Journalists

The US government has proposed a major change to how long certain visa holders—especially F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa journalists—can stay in the country. This rule aims to replace the long-standing “Duration of Status” system with fixed-term visas, potentially reshaping academic and media careers in the US.

Key Changes You Should Know
- Fixed Stay Periods:
- F-1 and J-1 visa holders: Maximum stay of 4 years, after which they must apply for an extension through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- I visa holders (foreign journalists): Limited to 240 days, with some exceptions for Chinese nationals.
- Shortened Grace Period:
- F-1 students will now have only 30 days (down from 60) after completing their studies to leave the country or transition to another status.
- Restrictions on Program Changes:
- Graduate-level F-1 students may face limitations if they wish to change their academic program mid-course.

Why It Matters
- Students pursuing long-term degrees or practical training will need to plan for mid-course extensions.
- Exchange visitors may face tighter deadlines for collaborative projects.
- Journalists could struggle with long-term coverage assignments due to the 240-day cap.

The proposal is currently under review and open for public comment under Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001, giving universities, media organizations, and student groups a chance to voice their concerns.

If you’re planning to study or work in the US, this could affect your timeline and visa strategy.