U.S. Limits Stays for Foreign Journalists and International Students Under New Visa Rule

UNITED STATES – Certain visa holders heading to the United States will face new limits on how long they can remain in the country under a new rule announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Under the new policy, foreign journalists travelling to the U.S. on I visas will generally be limited to stays of up to 240 days.

Most international students on F visas and exchange visitors on J visas will be allowed to remain in the country for up to four years.

Previously, many international students could remain in the country for the length of their academic programmes, while foreign correspondents were generally permitted to stay as long as they maintained their accredited status.

The regulation, classified as a major rule, will undergo congressional review before taking effect.

DHS said the final effective date could be adjusted depending on the outcome of that review.