KATHMANDU, Aug 28: The Trump administration has proposed tightening the duration of visas for international students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists in the United States, citing the need to better monitor visa holders, according to news agencies.
Under the proposed regulation, F visas for students, J visas for exchange visitors, and I visas for media professionals would be limited to fixed durations. Student and exchange visas would last no more than four years, while journalist visas would be capped at 240 days—or 90 days for passport holders from China and Hong Kong—with options to apply for extensions. Currently, these visas are valid for the duration of the academic program, employment or assignment.
DOI issued 163,518 visas in the FY 2015/016
US government data shows that in 2024, around 1.6 million international students held F visas, 355,000 were on exchange programs, and 13,000 were journalists. The measure could create new hurdles, requiring visa holders to apply for extensions rather than enjoying more flexible legal status.
The Trump administration said the regulation is aimed at enhancing oversight of non-immigrant visa holders. The public has 30 days to comment on the proposal, which mirrors a 2020 initiative that was withdrawn by the Biden administration in 2021 after facing opposition from international educators’ groups such as NAFSA.
Since returning to office, Trump has intensified scrutiny of legal immigration, including revoking student visas and green cards over alleged violations, and criticizing the H-1B visa program as a “scam” that limits opportunities for American workers.
