Overview
- The Department of Homeland Security outlined a plan to end open-ended 'duration of status' for F‑visa students by setting fixed admission periods tied to program length, capped at four years.
- Students seeking to stay beyond the initial period would need to request extensions through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with regular DHS evaluations.
- The proposal would restrict I‑visa holders to eight months per assignment with limited extensions, while journalists working for Chinese media would face a three‑month limit under stricter conditions.
- DHS framed the changes as a response to perceived abuse, saying some foreign students have become 'perpetual' enrollees to remain in the United States.
- Officials described the move as part of the current administration’s immigration agenda, noting the measure is proposed and not yet in effect.