The administration of United States President Donald Trump has finalised a new rule limiting most foreign students and exchange visitors to a maximum stay of four years in the country unless they obtain an extension from the federal government.
The new rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security, ends the long-standing “duration of status” policy under which international students were generally allowed to remain in the US for the length of their academic programmes, provided they complied with visa requirements.
The restriction will apply to students on F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas.
According to The Washington Post, the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged concerns that some students could struggle to complete their academic programmes within the new timeframe, noting that many bachelor’s degrees take more than four years to complete, while doctoral programmes typically take even longer.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the change was necessary to strengthen immigration enforcement and prevent visa overstays.
“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” Mullin said.
The policy was, however, criticised by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, which described the move as unnecessary and warned it would create uncertainty for international students.
“DHS’ decision to end Duration of Status is a misguided and unnecessary policy shift that injects uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear into a system that has long worked effectively,” NAFSA Executive Director Fanta Aw said.
The new rule comes as many US colleges and universities continue to face challenges attracting international students amid tighter immigration policies and visa restrictions introduced by the Trump administration.
