The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has finalized a rule replacing open-ended visa status with fixed terms for students and journalists [1].

This policy shift removes the "duration of status" flexibility, forcing thousands of foreign nationals to apply for extensions to remain in the country. The change increases government oversight of foreign residents and creates new legal hurdles for those pursuing long-term education or reporting assignments.

Under the new regulations, F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visitor visas are capped at a maximum stay of four years [1]. Previously, these individuals could often remain in the U.S. for the entire length of their program without a fixed expiration date. Now, any stay beyond the four-year limit must be petitioned for through official channels [2].

The rule also imposes strict limits on I-visa foreign journalists [3]. Most journalists will be limited to a maximum stay of 240 days [3]. However, the policy includes a more restrictive cap for Chinese nationals, who are limited to 90 days [3].

These changes are part of a broader effort by the Department of Homeland Security to tighten visa regulations for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists [1, 2]. By implementing fixed terms, the agency aims to ensure more frequent reviews of the legal status and eligibility of non-citizens within U.S. borders.

The new rule is scheduled to take effect on Sept. 15, 2026 [1, 3].

“F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visitor visas are capped at a maximum stay of four years.”

The transition from 'duration of status' to fixed-term visas represents a significant shift toward a more restrictive immigration posture. By requiring petitions for extensions and imposing shorter windows for journalists—particularly those from China—the U.S. government is increasing its ability to vet and potentially deny the continued stay of foreign nationals based on current political or security priorities.