In a move expected to affect many Indians planning to travel to the United States, the Donald Trump administration on Thursday proposed stricter limits on visa durations for foreign students, journalists and cultural exchange visitors.
A US government notice states that the Department of Homeland Security final rule sets fixed periods for F visas used by international students, J visas for cultural exchange participants who work in the US, and I visas for media members. These visas had previously been valid for the length of the programme or employment.
Under the updated rules, student and exchange visas would last no more than four years. Journalist visas, which could previously extend for years, would be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals. Extensions could still be requested.
The regulations bar graduate students from changing educational objectives or transferring schools without approval. They also reduce the post-completion departure period from 60 days to 30 days.
The rules take effect 60 days after publication in the federal register, pending Congressional review.
Among Indian students, the US remains a top choice for higher education. As of January 2025, roughly 300,000 Indian students were enrolled there, primarily in graduate STEM programmes.
US State Department data show that in 2024, 90,129 Indians received F visas, 15,208 received J visas and 426 received I visas.
Following last year’s immigration measures, F-1 visas issued to Indian students dropped 69 per cent in June-July 2025 compared with the prior year.
DHS reported over 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, an 11 per cent rise from the previous year. More than 500,000 exchange visitors and 37,300 media members received visas in fiscal year 2024.
The growth in visitor numbers has challenged DHS oversight, with some individuals remaining in the US for decades on these visas.
Visa holders seeking longer stays must apply for extensions or re-enter after travel abroad.
The rule had been under review since May and cleared the Office of Management and Budget in mid-June.
