U.S. tightens visa rules for students, journalists and exchange program participants

This is stated in a notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), published in the Federal Register, a collection of official documents of the U.S. government.

The changes concern three visa categories: student visas (F), visas for exchange program participants (J), and journalist visas (I). The validity period of entry documents for students and exchange program participants will be limited to four years, while for journalists it will be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese citizens.

Currently, these visas are available for the entire duration of the program or work in the United States.

The authors of the document say the measures are intended to provide “additional protection and greater oversight.” In their view, this will allow authorities to more closely monitor whether visa holders maintain their lawful status throughout their stay in the country.

Washington explains the decision by the sharp increase in the number of visas issued in these categories. In the 2024 fiscal year, more than 1.8 million student visas were issued, 11 percent more than a year earlier. Exchange program participants received more than 500,000 visas during the same period, while media representatives received more than 37,000. According to DHS, this growth makes it more difficult to monitor foreigners’ stay in the country.

Those wishing to remain in the United States beyond the fixed period of stay will have to submit an extension application to DHS or leave the country and re-enter.

The amendments will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.