Author: Sydney White
U.S. Proposes New Rule to Limit Length of Stay for Foreign Students and Professionals
A new U.S. government proposal seeks to limit the amount of time foreign students, professors, physicians, and other visa holders can remain in the country without additional screening. If finalized, the rule would expand the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ability to vet and monitor these individuals more effectively.
Currently, holders of F visas—typically international students—are admitted for an unspecified “duration of status,” allowing them to stay in the U.S. indefinitely as long as they remain enrolled in academic programs. DHS officials argue that this policy has enabled some individuals to remain in the country for extended periods by continuously enrolling in courses.
Under the proposed change, the authorized stay for students and exchange visitors would be tied to the official length of their academic or exchange program, capped at four years. Foreign media representatives would be limited to the duration of their temporary assignment, up to 240 days.
The rule would also require foreign students, exchange visitors, and media representatives to apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for visa issuance and any extensions. DHS would track and verify this data through its SEVP and SEVIS management systems, allowing for regular reviews to ensure continued eligibility to remain in the United States.
