The Trump administration has implemented new visa regulations that limit the duration of F visas for international students, J visas for cultural exchange visitors, and I visas for journalists.

Under the updated rules, student and exchange visas will be capped at four years, while journalist visas will be limited to 240 days (or 90 days for Chinese nationals).

The changes, effective 60 days after publication in the federal register, aim to address concerns about the growing number of non-immigrant visa holders.Critics argue the policy creates barriers for international students, who now have only 30 days to secure employment sponsorship after graduation.China condemned the move as discriminatory, citing a 2021 agreement on media cooperation.

The Department of Homeland Security cited a 11% increase in student visa admissions in 2024 as justification, claiming the policy will improve oversight of non-immigrants.

However, opponents warn the restrictions could push qualified individuals toward illegal status if they cannot find sponsors within the mandated timeframe.