US limits lengths of stay for foreign students and journalists

Washington – 16 July 2026: The US government is tightening the rules for the stay of foreign students, exchange-program participants and international journalists. The Department of Homeland Security, DHS, released on Thursday the final version of a rule that replaces previously open-ended periods of stay with fixed time limits. Formal publication in the Federal Register is scheduled for 17 July. The rule is expected to take effect 60 days later, subject to congressional review.

Those primarily affected are holders of F student visas, J visas for exchange visitors and I visas for foreign media representatives. Students and exchange visitors will generally be admitted only for the duration of their program, but for no more than four years per entry. Anyone unable to complete a longer course of study, a doctorate or another program within this period must apply for an extension with immigration authorities.

For foreign journalists, the rule provides for a significantly shorter initial period of stay. I-visa holders may generally remain in the country for no more than 240 days, or around eight months. A 90-day limit is planned for travelers holding passports from the People’s Republic of China; passports from Hong Kong and Macau are exempt. Extensions are to remain possible, but must be applied for and reviewed by the authorities.

Until now, many members of these three groups were able to remain in the United States under the principle of status-based admission. The determining factor was whether they continued to meet the requirements of their student, exchange or media status. The new rule replaces this model with a fixed end date. According to DHS, this is intended to make it easier to monitor compliance with visa requirements and prevent abuse.

The rule now finalized goes beyond the original notice concerning student visas: it also covers exchange programs and the work of foreign correspondents. Higher-education associations and international education organizations have criticized the change. They warn that longer degree programs, and doctorates in particular, could require additional administrative procedures. Repeatedly applying for extensions could also make assignments in the United States more difficult for newsrooms.

For people already lawfully living in the United States with F, J or I status, the transitional provisions are crucial. The final version contains rules on this matter, the practical application of which must be clarified by immigration authorities. Nothing changes immediately on 16 July: the new fixed admission periods will apply only once the rule takes effect after the planned deadline.

The rule was initially published as a draft in 2025 and prompted numerous comments. The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs completed its review of the final version on 17 June 2026. By making it available for publication, DHS has now taken the next decisive step. Lawsuits or a political review could still affect the start of the regulations.