U.S. Plans to Shorten Visa Duration for Students, Journalists, and Cultural Visitors

US shortens student visa duration.

Journalists face a strict day limit.

Additional costs for international programs.

The US government has proposed reducing the duration of visas for students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists, according to a draft presented Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the Federal Register.

The document sets a maximum limit of four years for F visas (students) and J visas (cultural exchange visitors), unless their program is shorter, and 240 days for journalists holding I visas.

After exceeding that time, F and J visa holders would need to apply for an extension, allowing the administration to conduct stricter monitoring of their stay in the country.

Journalists may also extend their permits as long as their professional activities continue, and they may keep working for the same employer while their extension request is processed.

US Shortens Visa Duration for Students and Visitors

The DHS proposes that F and J visas have a maximum of four years, and I visas for journalists last 240 days with the option of extension. https://t.co/hyYmBC54xl pic.twitter.com/G7VOUWS4aW

— El Financiero (@ElFinanciero_Mx) August 27, 2025

The proposal also limits program changes for graduate students, who would have just 30 days to leave the US after finishing their studies, compared to the current 60-day grace period.

Students in English-language programs would not be allowed to stay more than 24 months on that visa, restricting what had been a longer maximum duration.

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An exception is planned for Chinese journalists, whose permitted stay would be 90 days, though extensions could be requested under stricter conditions.

The DHS anticipates that implementing these measures will generate additional costs for applicants, schools, and exchange programs over the next 10 years.

Extensions and Conditions for Journalists

“Student Visa”:
Because U.S. embassies will begin receiving appointments for student visa applications.

Now all your personal social media accounts will be required to be public for identity verification. https://t.co/RxOd0hEYj6 pic.twitter.com/dgiSFEZOKu

— ¿Por qué es Tendencia? (@porktendencia) June 21, 2025

The agency estimates annualized costs between $390.3 and $392.4 million, based on discount rates of 3% and 7% respectively, affecting both US and foreign entities.

The project will undergo a 30-day review period, during which comments can be submitted before advancing toward final approval.

This proposal recalls a similar attempt in 2020 to shorten visa duration in the US, during former president Donald Trump’s first term, which never went into effect before the end of his administration and was not continued by Joe Biden.

Impact and Stricter Controls

Last week, the Trump administration also began reviewing more than 55 million active visas to detect possible violations that could lead to revocations or deportations.

The announcement represents a significant tightening of visa policies for students, journalists, and cultural visitors, marking a new chapter in US immigration restrictions.

Source: Agencia EFE and El Universal.