The Trump administration has unveiled a proposed regulation that would shorten the duration of F, J, and I visas for international students, cultural exchange participants, and media professionals in the United States. The move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration oversight.
Under the proposal, F visas for students and J visas for exchange workers would be capped at four years, while I visas for media members would be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals. Previously, these visas remained valid for the entire duration of the program or employment. Visa holders could still apply for extensions, but the change would require more frequent renewals.
According to U.S. government data, around 1.6 million international students held F visas in 2024, along with approximately 355,000 exchange visitors and 13,000 media professionals.
The Trump administration argued that the limits are necessary to better monitor visa holders during their stay. A 30-day public feedback period has been announced, allowing stakeholders to respond to the proposed rule.
The move echoes a similar proposal from 2020, which was later withdrawn by the Biden administration. Organizations such as NAFSA, representing international educators, had opposed the earlier proposal, citing concerns over its impact on global students and educational exchange.
This proposal is part of a larger pattern of heightened scrutiny of legal immigration, including revocations of visas and green cards over ideological and administrative reasons.
