Outlook Business Desk
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new immigration rules ending the “duration of status” system. According to a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, F, J, and I visa holders would be admitted for fixed periods rather than indefinite stays linked to status compliance.
The changes would apply to three categories of non-immigrant visas – (F) for full-time students, (J) for exchange visitors, and (I) for foreign media representatives. These groups currently enjoy open-ended stays under the existing status-based system.
The plan would restrict F and J visa holders, including students and exchange visitors, to a stay of up to four years. Meanwhile, I visas, used by foreign journalists and media staff, would generally be capped at 240 days, with limited exceptions for applicants from China.
Graduate-level F-1 visa students would be restricted from switching academic programmes mid-course, limiting flexibility. Additionally, DHS proposes cutting the grace period allowed after course completion for F-1 visa holders to 30 days, down from the current 60 days.
Anyone wishing to remain beyond their authorised period would need to apply directly to DHS for an extension. This step aims to ensure routine verification of compliance with immigration laws and prevent overstays without government oversight.
DHS said the duration of status model makes it harder to regularly check whether visa holders follow the law. By introducing fixed terms, immigration officers can better monitor compliance and address national security and fraud concerns raised earlier.
In 2023, over 1.6 million F-1 students, 500,000 J exchange visitors, and 32,470 I visa holders entered the US. DHS said the rising inflow has created challenges in tracking and ensuring rule compliance across these visa categories.
According to ANI, the proposed changes comes from Trump administration concerns around immigration oversight and national security. Officials argued that open-ended visas make it harder to detect noncompliance or fraudulent use, while fixed periods would allow more frequent checks and strengthen enforcement of immigration law in sensitive categories.
DHS pointed out that almost all other non-immigrant visas already follow fixed timelines. Bringing F, J and I visas under the same system, it explained, would improve monitoring, cut down on fraud, and help protect the overall integrity of US immigration.