The United States (US) government, led by President Donald Trump, is imposing new limits on how long foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists can stay in the country.
The change ends a system that has been in place for decades, a system that allowed many of them to stay while they were still in school or at work.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the new rule on Thursday, July 16.
- International students and exchange visitors will normally be allowed to stay for four years.
- Foreign journalists will receive up to 240 days at a time.
- For journalists in China, that limit is reduced to just 90 days.
If people want to stay longer, they will have to apply for an extension or leave the country and return.
The rule will go into effect 60 days after its publication date in the Federal Registrar. The new set of limits will also have to undergo congressional review. It could affect students trying to start college programs in August and September.
This is the latest move in Trump’s broader crackdown on immigration since he returned to office in January 2025.
DHS said in a statement that previous administrations allowed foreign students and visa holders to remain in the country almost indefinitely. He called this a security risk and said it costs taxpayers money and puts American citizens at a disadvantage. The department says the new rule will make it easier to track people while they are in the country.
In June, the State Department said it had revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump took office, including 8,000 for students.
