WASHINGTON D.C.: The Trump administration has published the final notice of its plan to tighten regulations on foreign students, imposing a strict four-year cap on their stay in the United States without explicit federal government approval.

Under the new rules set to take effect this September, international students will face severe restrictions when changing their academic programs or transferring between universities and colleges. Previously, higher education institutions in the US held the authority to extend student visa durations.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the policy aims to “prevent systemic visa abuse and strengthen national security through regular monitoring.” However, the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) has sharply criticized the move, calling it “unnecessary and misdirected.”

Previously, international students on F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas were granted entry for the “Duration of Status,” allowing them to remain in the US until they completed their respective degrees. The new regulation completely abolishes this open-ended stay by enforcing fixed deadlines.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin justified the move by stating that for decades, foreign students were allowed indefinite entry into the US, leading thousands to exploit the immigration system by repeatedly enrolling in various courses to avoid leaving the country.

While most undergraduate programs in the US span four years, postgraduate courses—particularly doctoral programs—often take significantly longer.

A large majority of international students enroll in graduate-level programs, especially in Science and Technology fields, where completing coursework, conducting research, and publishing dissertations routinely require additional time due to funding constraints or personal circumstances.

Furthermore, the new policy slashes the post-graduation grace period. Foreign students will now have only 30 days to either return to their home countries or transition to another visa category after graduation, down from the previously allowed 60 days.

Fanta Aw, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA, strongly condemned the administration’s policy, arguing that it injects uncertainty, bureaucratic hurdles, and fear into a system that has functioned effectively for decades. “This is a solution looking for a problem,” she stated.

The strict directives are part of the broader Trump administration policy aimed at reducing the influx of foreign students and curtailing overall immigration.

The current US government has also been working to cap international student enrollment at elite colleges and has previously revoked visas of students deemed critical of US foreign policy.