US imposes fixed visa requirements for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists | Today’s news
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday introduced a rule that would replace the current indefinite validity of visas for certain international students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists with a fixed length of stay.
According to a notice published in the Federal Register, the proposed final rule would apply to F visas for international students, J visas for participants in cultural exchange programs, and I visas issued to members of the foreign media.
what changes?
Under the proposed rule, holders of these visas would be granted permission to remain in the United States for a specified period of time, replacing the current system that allows them to remain for the duration of their academic program or employment in the US.
F visas allow international students to remain in the US for the duration of their approved program of study.
J visas allow exchange and cultural program participants to stay for the duration of their approved program.
Visas also allow foreign journalists and media representatives to remain in the US while employed on their US assignments.
The new rule would end this “duration of status” framework and instead establish predetermined periods of authorized stay.
Congressional review is required
The Department of Homeland Security said the rule is subject to congressional review before it takes effect.
An effective date has not yet been set, according to the Federal Register notice.
If implemented, the measure would represent a significant change to US immigration regulations governing international students, exchange participants and foreign journalists working in the United States.
