The United States is introducing sweeping changes to its student visa regulations, setting a four-year maximum stay for most international students and reshaping long-standing immigration policies governing academic enrolment.
Under the proposed framework, students who require additional time to complete their studies will need to obtain approval from federal immigration authorities instead of relying on their educational institutions. The move replaces the long-standing “duration of status” policy, which allowed international students to remain in the country until they completed their academic programmes, with universities previously authorised to approve extensions.
The revised rules also introduce stricter requirements for students seeking to transfer between institutions or change academic programmes, signalling tighter federal oversight of international student mobility.
US officials argue the measures are intended to strengthen immigration enforcement, reduce misuse of student visas, and enhance national security screening. According to the administration, the previous system allowed some individuals to prolong their stay by repeatedly enrolling in academic programmes without a genuine intent to complete them.
However, the policy has drawn criticism from higher education advocates. The Association of International Educators (NAFSA) described the changes as unnecessary, warning that they could increase administrative hurdles and create uncertainty for students and universities despite an existing system that has largely functioned effectively.
While the four-year limit is expected to accommodate most undergraduate programmes, it poses significant challenges for graduate students, particularly those pursuing master’s degrees, doctoral studies, and research-intensive programmes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Such programmes frequently require more than four years to complete due to research demands, funding constraints, or other academic and personal factors.
The proposal also shortens the post-study grace period available to international students. Instead of the current 60-day window to depart the United States or transition to another visa category after completing their studies, graduates would have only 30 days under the revised regulations.
The latest proposal forms part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls affecting international students. Earlier measures included attempts to limit foreign student enrolment at certain universities and the cancellation of visas for some students over concerns linked to their public criticism of US foreign policy.
