Key facts
- The Trump administration has finalized new rules for foreign student visas.
- Foreign students will be limited to a four-year stay unless granted federal permission.
- The ability to switch programs and transfer between universities will be restricted.
- The Department of Homeland Security claims the rules combat visa abuse and enhance national security.
- The grace period for departing the U.S. after graduation is reduced from 60 to 30 days.
- The new policy aims to reduce the number of foreign students in the U.S.
The Trump administration has issued final notice of stricter rules for foreign students, limiting their stay to four years unless granted federal permission and restricting their ability to switch programs or transfer universities. Previously, students on F-1 and J-1 visas were admitted for the 'duration of status,' allowing them to stay as long as needed to complete their degrees.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the new policy aims to combat visa abuse and enhance national security by preventing perpetual enrollment to avoid departure. The Department of Homeland Security claims the rules will combat rampant visa abuse and strengthen national security through regular vetting.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators, a non-profit advising schools on foreign student enrollment, criticized the policy. Its chief executive, Fanta Aw, called the new rules "misguided and unnecessary," adding that the policy "injects uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear into a system that has long worked effectively."
Under the new regulations, foreign students will have 30 days to leave the U.S. or change their visa category after graduation, a reduction from the previous 60-day grace period. The administration's move is part of a broader strategy to decrease the number of foreign students and limit immigration to the United States.