The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a final rule imposing stricter regulations on foreign students, including a four-year limit on most student visas unless an extension is approved by the federal government.
The new rules, which take effect in September, also restrict the ability of international students to transfer between universities or change academic programmes. Under the previous system, higher education institutions could extend students’ stay based on the duration of their studies.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the policy is intended to strengthen immigration enforcement.
“The rule combats rampant visa abuse and strengthens national security through regular vetting,” the department said.
Under the existing “duration of status” system, students on F-1 and J-1 visas were permitted to remain in the United States for as long as they maintained their academic status and continued their studies.
The new regulation replaces that framework with fixed periods of authorised stay, requiring most international students to complete their studies within four years or seek federal approval for additional time.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the changes were aimed at preventing abuse of the immigration system.
“For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S. indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the U.S.,” Mullin said.
The policy is expected to have the greatest impact on graduate students, particularly those pursuing doctoral degrees in science, technology and other research-intensive disciplines, where programmes often extend beyond four years because of research requirements, funding constraints or other academic factors.
The administration has also shortened the grace period for international students after completing their studies.
Under the new rules, graduates will have 30 days to leave the United States or change to another visa category, compared with the previous 60-day period.
The changes have drawn criticism from education groups.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators described the policy as unnecessary, warning that it could create uncertainty for international students and U.S. universities.
“The new policy injects uncertainty, bureaucracy and fear into a system that has long worked effectively. It is a solution in search of a problem,” NAFSA Chief Executive Fanta Aw said.
The measures form part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration agenda, which includes tighter restrictions on foreign student enrolment and increased scrutiny of visa holders.
The administration has previously sought to limit the number of international students at some universities and has moved to revoke visas of students involved in protests or activities it says conflict with U.S. national interests.
Separately, Trump said on Wednesday that Iran had released Dena Karari, a U.S. citizen he said had been “wrongfully detained” since December 2024, describing the move as a gesture of goodwill.
Karari’s lawyer, Jared Genser, said she was returning to the United States.
However, Iran’s judiciary said on Thursday that no U.S. prisoner had been released or exchanged from its prisons, according to Iranian state media.
