The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed limiting the validity of visas for international students and journalists.

Under the new rule, F visas, which allow foreign students to study in the U.S., would be capped at four years. Currently, these visas can cover the entire length of academic programs, which often exceed five years for doctoral degrees.

For foreign journalists, visa validity would be restricted to 240 days, with a possible extension of another 240 days. The total duration would not exceed the length of their assignments. Any extensions would require applications through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which include additional security checks.

DHS cited security concerns and financial burdens as reasons for the proposed changes. “For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely,” the agency said, adding that the move would also prevent visa abuse and improve oversight.

The proposal has faced immediate criticism from the higher education sector. Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warned that the new rules could disrupt studies and strain university operations. 

“The rule would force international students and scholars to submit additional applications regularly, creating uncertainty and potentially deterring global talent from studying or conducting research in the U.S.,” Feldblum said.