By Kavita Mistry 
In a move that could significantly impact international students and academic institutions across the US, former President Donald Trump’s administration has revived a 2020 proposal to limit the duration of stay for student visa holders. If implemented, this rule will replace the current “duration of status” system with a fixed visa expiry date—fundamentally altering how F-1 and J-1 visa holders remain in the country.
Current System vs. Proposed Change
At present, international students (F-1) and exchange visitors (J-1) are permitted to stay in the US as long as they maintain their enrollment status. This flexible arrangement has allowed students to complete degrees and optional practical training (OPT) programs without reapplying for extensions.
The new rule proposes a fixed period of stay, after which students would be required to periodically apply for visa extensions, adding uncertainty and administrative burden to their academic journey.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already forwarded the proposal for review to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)—a final step before the rule is officially published in the Federal Register.
Crackdown on Universities and Foreign Students
The visa overhaul is part of a broader immigration and educational policy push by Trump, who has taken a hardline stance against illegal immigration and anti-Semitism on campuses. Trump has publicly criticized elite institutions, claiming they allow extremist ideologies to flourish.
In a high-profile move, the White House froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard University for non-compliance with Trump’s policy conditions. Harvard refused to alter its campus policies, resulting in a ban on foreign nationals enrolling at the Ivy League institution—though the ban was later halted by a federal court.
Broader Immigration Measures
Trump’s renewed term has also seen the rollout of a two-track deportation plan:
- Track 1: Targets arrests and deportation of undocumented immigrants, especially criminals.
- Track 2: Encourages voluntary departure through registration schemes, financial incentives, and public awareness drives.
What Lies Ahead
While details of the fixed-term visa proposal remain limited, its potential impact on foreign students, universities, and global academic exchange is significant. Legal challenges are likely, as similar immigration rules have faced pushback from the judiciary and civil rights organizations in the past.
As Trump intensifies his immigration policies, this visa shift could trigger further tension between federal authorities and educational institutions—possibly reshaping the US’s appeal as a destination for international students.