US Visa New Rules 2026: Big decision of US President Donald Trump, limit of stay for foreign students increased to maximum 4 years

A very worrying and big shock decision has come to the fore for Indian students who dream of pursuing higher education and making a career in the United States of America (USA). The administration of US President Donald Trump has taken a historic decision to significantly tighten visa rules for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and foreign journalists. Under these new rules issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the maximum period of stay for international students has now been limited. This new order is going to have a direct and strong impact on more than three lakh Indian students studying in America, due to which their future is now trapped in a whirlpool of uncertainty. ‘Unlimited period’ of F, J and I visas ends: Now one has to stay within the stipulated time limit Under the current system, holders of F visa (International Students), J Visa (Cultural and Educational Exchange Program Visitors) and I Visa (Foreign Media Personnel) were entitled to legally stay in the US for the entire duration of their respective study program, research work or media job. This was called ‘Duration of Status’. But the new rule of the Trump government has completely abolished this unlimited provision. Now a ‘fixed period’ has been set for all these visa holders. According to the new rule, the maximum period of student and exchange visa will not be more than four years. This new rule will go into effect within 60 days of being published in the Federal Register, which is subject to review by the US Congress. Strict restrictions have also been imposed on changing courses and school transfers: The grace period for leaving the country has also been halved. This new rule of the Trump administration is not limited only to the time limit, but it also affects the academic freedom of the students to a great extent. According to the new rules, graduate level students will now never be able to change their educational objective or subject of their own free will. Along with this, there is a complete ban on taking transfer from one school to another school or university without special government permission. The biggest setback has been the ‘grace period’ after completion of the course. Earlier, after completing their degree or practical training, students were given 60 days to stay in the US or look for a job, which has now been reduced to only 30 days. Crackdown on foreign journalists too: There will be a limit of only 90 days for Chinese journalists. The scope of the new rule is not limited only to students, but it has also taken foreign media personnel (I-Visa) under its ambit. The visa issued for foreign journalists, which was earlier valid for years, will now be valid only for a maximum of 240 days. Especially in the case of Chinese media houses and Chinese citizens, it has been further tightened and limited to only 90 days. However, there is a provision in the rules that under special circumstances, visa holders can apply for extension of time limit, but its approval will depend entirely on strict administrative assessment. Immigration experts and former officials raised questions: ‘Don’t they understand how life works?’ This strict step of the Trump administration has started receiving sharp criticism within America itself. As Bloomberg reports, former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official Doug Rand condemned the decision, saying, "Most Americans understand how important welcoming international students and eliminating unnecessary red tape is to the country’s development. But this new rule will do just the opposite and harm America’s credibility." David J., director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute. Bear commented bitterly, "Students who have spent years of their lives and millions of dollars here will now have only 30 days to find a job or get sponsorship, or they will be declared illegal immigrants. Do policy makers not understand how a common man’s life works?"