The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalizes a rule that tightens visa durations for three nonimmigrant categories: F visas for international students, J visas for cultural exchange visitors, and I visas for representatives of foreign information media. Multiple outlets report the change replaces the long-standing “duration of status” approach with fixed periods of admission, subject to extension procedures and additional oversight. The rule takes effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Reporting also notes a transition period beginning September 2026.
Under the new framework, F and J visa holders generally receive admission periods capped at up to four years, rather than being admitted for the length of their program or stay under the prior system. For I visa journalists, DHS sets a maximum initial admission period of 240 days, with Chinese nationals limited to 90-day admissions, while extensions and reapplication processes require further review. DHS says the revisions strengthen oversight and address concerns about the government’s ability to monitor nonimmigrants.
The changes have drawn criticism from press freedom advocates, who argue the periodic government review could affect journalistic independence. Critics also point to restrictions on students’ ability to change educational objectives or transfer schools without authorization, and shorter post-study departure timelines.
