US limits stay of foreign students and journalists to a maximum of four years and 240 days respectively

What applied until now

The three visa categories for students (F visa), exchange students (J), and journalists (I) had enjoyed exceptional status for years. For journalists, under the rule this meant, for example, that their status was considered unchanged as long as they remained active in the same job for the same employer.

The document on the reorganization notes that this regulation made it difficult to keep track of where foreigners in these groups remained in the US – and whether the requirements for their long-term stay were still met. At the same time, both groups can apply for extensions without having to leave the country. For journalists, however, extensions can be applied for 240 days.

Government's reasoning

The tightening had been presented by the US government in August 2025; around 22,000 comments were subsequently submitted to the Department of Homeland Security. However, the regulations are now largely unchanged compared to the announcement made last year. The US government had already considered such a change during President Donald Trump's first term.

The US government is tightening the limits on the length of stay for foreign students and media representatives in the country. The new rules are to be officially published on Friday – and will take effect 60 days later. This is a message directly from the dpa news channel.

Timeline and entry into force

Holders of F, J, and I visas are affected. Until now, they were not considered to be time-limited, but rather "Duration of Status," meaning only revoked once their program or employment ended. A stay period of four years is now being set for students and exchange students; a limit of 240 days for journalists will apply alongside it.

The government justified the tightening with better possibilities for control. It made a new attempt last year to anchor the limitation in law. Observers see this as a continuation of the migration policy line that was already pursued during President Donald Trump's first term.

Thursday's publication marks the formal start of the process. After the 60-day period expires, the new caps will apply automatically, provided no legal steps are taken. Students and journalists will then have to actively secure their further stay through applications.