US changes student visa rules, introduces four-year limit

US changes student visa rules, introduces four-year limit
US changes student visa rules, introduces four-year limit - US non-immigrant visa. (Photo: Freepik)
US non-immigrant visa. (Photo: Freepik)

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Those who need additional time to complete their studies or programmes will have to apply directly to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension.

The United States has announced new rules ending a decades-old “duration of status” system for foreign students, exchange visitors and international media representatives, replacing it with fixed periods of admission and requiring some visa holders to seek federal approval to remain longer.
For nearly 50 years, many foreign students entering the country on student visas were not given a specific departure date. Instead, they were allowed to stay as long as they maintained their academic status.
However, under the new regulation, foreign students and exchange visitors will generally be admitted for the length of their approved programme, but their stay will not exceed four years.

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Those who need additional time to complete their studies or programmes will have to apply directly to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension.
The rule also cuts the post-graduation grace period for foreign students to leave the country, transfer schools, or seek another immigration status from 60 days to 30 days.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the new process will increase federal oversight by requiring additional review, including background checks, biometric screening and fraud checks for people seeking extensions.

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“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement.
Mullin added that the previous system allowed some foreign students to exploit immigration rules by remaining in the US indefinitely through repeated enrolment.
“For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the US indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the US,” he said.
“By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders.”
According to the DHS, the final rule will soon be published in the Federal Register and will take effect 60 days after publication. Current visa holders under the previous system will transition to the new framework automatically, with their authorised stay capped at four years from the effective date of the rule.

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