US Ends Open-Ended Student and Journalist Visas

On Thursday, the US Department of Homeland Security unveiled a new rule imposing fixed time limits on several visa categories. The measure affects international students (F visas), cultural exchange participants (J visas) and foreign media representatives (I visas).

Until now, these visas generally remained valid for the duration of a student's studies, an exchange program or a journalist's assignment. Under the new rule, they will instead be subject to fixed admission periods. The change is part of President Donald Trump's broader immigration crackdown since returning to office in January 2025.

Student and exchange visas will generally be limited to four years. Journalist visas will be valid for a maximum of 240 days, while Chinese nationals will be limited to 90-day admissions. Visa holders who need to remain in the United States longer will generally have to apply for an extension or leave the country and seek readmission.

The changes will also affect academic life. Graduate students generally will not be able to transfer to another school or change their field of study without special permission. In addition, the grace period for leaving the United States after completing studies will be shortened from 60 to 30 days.

China reacted immediately, calling the stricter rules for its journalists discriminatory. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the move seriously undermined bilateral media agreements reached in 2021 and warned that Beijing could take reciprocal measures.

(Reuters, Max)