The US administration has taken another step toward tightening visa policies, this time focusing on foreign students and international media representatives.
The newly approved rules provide for limits on the length of stay for several visa categories, including international students, participants in exchange programmes and foreign journalists.
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Under the new Department of Homeland Security regulation, F visas for students, J visas for participants in cultural exchange programmes, as well as journalists’ visas, will no longer have an indefinite validity period. Until now, these visas allowed foreign nationals to remain in the United States for the duration of their studies or professional engagement.
Once the changes take effect, students and exchange participants will be able to stay for up to four years. For foreign journalists, the maximum period will be 240 days, while for Chinese nationals it will be reduced to just 90 days. The regulation is expected to be implemented 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, provided it does not encounter obstacles during the review process.
Opponents of these measures believe they could create considerable difficulties for international students. According to them, the currently envisaged 30-day period may not be enough for individuals seeking to find work or another legal pathway to continue staying in the country. Those wishing to remain beyond the specified period will have to apply for an extension of stay or leave the United States and reapply for a new entry.
