US Proposes 4-Year Limit on Student Visas: What It Means for International Students

What is being proposed?

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a four-year time limit on student visas (F-1) and other academic/exchange visas.
• Currently, students are admitted for the “duration of status”, meaning they can stay as long as they are enrolled in a valid program.
• Under the new rule:
  • Students can stay only 4 years maximum (less than 2 years for English-language programs).
  • To study longer, they must apply for a visa extension through DHS.
  • Students would face restrictions on changing their course or transferring universities.
  • First-year students could not switch schools.
  • The grace period after finishing studies would be cut from 60 days to 30 days.

Why is the U.S. government doing this?

• DHS argues this will:
  • Reduce “visa abuse” and “overstaying.”
  • Increase security and allow more oversight of international students.
• They cite an example of 2,100 students who entered between 2000–2010 and are still in the U.S. as “forever students.”
• They frame the policy as a national security measure.

Why are universities and stakeholders opposing it?

• Unrealistic for most programs: Many undergraduate students take more than 4 years to finish. Master’s, PhD, and OPT (work permit) students would all need extensions.
• Administrative burden: Thousands of students would face delays, paperwork, and risk falling out of legal status.
• Government interference: DHS would decide what counts as “acceptable progress” in studies, seen as overreach into academia.
• Harm to U.S. competitiveness: Experts warn this will deter international students from choosing the U.S., harming universities and the U.S. economy.
• Economic impact: A continued drop in student numbers could cause $7 billion in losses to the U.S. economy.

Current situation

• International student enrolment in the U.S. is already declining.
• Visa delays, stricter rules, and hostile policies under Trump have created barriers.
• In July 2025, student arrivals dropped 30% compared to the previous year.

What experts say:

• NAFSA (Association of International Educators): The rule would trap students in delays and unlawful status “through no fault of their own.”
• Presidents’ Alliance (U.S. university leaders): Warns the policy would further discourage students and damage U.S. global standing.
• Stakeholders argue international students are already heavily monitored and this change is unnecessary.

In short:
The U.S. government wants to limit student visas to 4 years to prevent overstays and tighten control, but universities and education experts warn this will create huge problems for students, increase bureaucracy, reduce international enrolment, and harm the U.S. economy and global competitiveness.

Such policy changes highlight the importance of timely guidance for international students. If you have questions about your U.S. study visa options, feel free to contact us for expert advice.

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