Trump administration caps foreign student stay at four years

The Trump administration has finalized a rule ending a decades-long policy that allowed international students to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic programs, replacing it with a fixed four-year limit for most students. The Department of Homeland Security announced the change on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Under the new regulation, most students on F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas will be admitted for a maximum of four years. Those needing more time to complete their degrees, such as those in doctoral programs or certain medical training, must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension before their authorized stay expires. The rule also applies to foreign media representatives on I visas and introduces stricter limits on changing academic programs.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the policy shift, stating it was necessary to strengthen national security and immigration enforcement. He argued the previous "duration of status" system, in place since 1978, had created an environment ripe for fraud by allowing some individuals to remain in the country indefinitely by continually enrolling in courses....