The United States has announced changes to its student visa system, ending a policy that, for nearly five decades, allowed international students to remain in the country as long as they maintained their academic status.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday, July 16, unveiled a final rule abolishing the “duration of status” system for non-immigrant students, exchange visitors and foreign media representatives, replacing it with fixed admission periods and stricter federal oversight.
Trump Administration Ends Indefinite Student Visa Stay, Affecting Thousands of Kenyans Studying in US
The department argued that the arrangement enabled some foreign nationals to remain in the country for years by continuously enrolling in academic programmes instead of leaving after completing their studies.
“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,. “For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S. indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the U.S, ” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
“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. This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home.”
He added that the new visa rule would ensure international students remain focused on completing their studies before returning to their home countries.
The changes are expected to affect thousands of Kenyan students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate and exchange programmes in the United States, as well as those planning to study there in the future.
According to DHS, the reforms are aimed at curbing visa abuse, strengthening immigration enforcement and enhancing national security.
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What Has Changed under New US Visa Rules
Under the new rule, holders of F student visas and J exchange visitor visas will now be admitted for the duration of their specific academic programme, subject to a maximum stay of four years.
Previously, students were admitted under the “duration of status” policy, which allowed them to remain in the United States indefinitely provided they continued meeting the requirements of their visa through their schools.
DHS said the system had been in place since 1978.
Students who require more time to complete their academic programmes will no longer receive automatic extensions through their institutions.
Instead, they will be required to apply directly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay (EOS).
According to DHS, every application will undergo biometric screening, background checks and fraud assessments before approval.
The department said the change shifts responsibility for approving extensions from university officials back to the federal government.
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Grace Period Cut in Half
The new rule also shortens the period international students can remain in the United States after completing their studies.
Previously, F-1 students had 60 days to prepare to leave the country, transfer to another institution or change their immigration status.
Under the new rules, that grace period has been reduced to 30 days.
DHS has also introduced stricter limits on students wishing to change their academic programmes while studying in the United States.
The policy will not apply only to new students.
DHS said international students already in the United States under the previous “duration of status” framework will automatically transition to the new system.
Their authorised stay will be capped at a maximum of four years from the date the new rule takes effect.
The final rule will be published in the Federal Register in the coming days and will become effective 60 days after publication.
SEVP to Continue Monitoring International Students
DHS said the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will continue serving as the link between the U.S. government and international students.
Managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), SEVP oversees schools enrolling international students and monitors students holding F and M visas, as well as their dependants, through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
The department said the programme helps track schools, exchange visitor programmes and international students while they participate in the U.S. education system.
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