A new guideline that drastically alters the visa requirements for American citizens was approved by Donald Trump's administration. Permits may have a maximum length of four years starting with the fall semester, regardless of whether the academic plan calls for more time to finish.

The initiative, which was promoted by the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS), puts an end to a policy that had been in place since 1978 that allowed students to stay in the country for the duration of their studies as long as they kept their immigration status. In addition to going through biological reviews and additional verifications, those who require more time then may request an extension with the USCIS.

The shift has sparked concern in colleges in California, the state with the highest number of international students in the nation, according to information obtained by the Los Angeles Times, because it could have an impact on both educational planning and the arrival of new international talent.

Effect on foreign students

Additionally, the grace period for F-1 visa holders who want to leave the United States, shift their institutions, or change their immigration status has been reduced by 60 to 30 days under the new law. Additionally, the time you spend in the Optional Practical Training ( OPT ) program, which allows you to work temporarily after graduation, will be considered toward the four-year cap.

The Institute of International Education reports a 17 % decrease in enrollment for new foreign students in the fall of 2025. California has about 140, 000 foreign students, compared to about 34, 500 at the University of California (UC) and about 12 000 at the University of Southern California ( USC ).

The UC is "deeply concerned," according to Rachel Zaentz, a UC director, because the estimate alters a model that has long allowed students and researchers to complete their applications and contribute to the government's innovation.

Students are frightened of difficulties and confusion.

The US government claimed that the transformation aims to improve immigration settings. DHS stated in the statement that the law establishes distinct restrictions on student visas and restores the integrity of the immigration system.

Markwayne Mullin, the secretary of homeland security, made it clear that some students had been extending their stay continuously for years through fresh scientific enrollments. This last rule allows international students to concentrate on finishing their studies and traveling home, he said.

Experts and academic institutions but warn that the change might make immigration processes even more challenging. At the end of 2025, according to the American Immigration Council, USCIS had more than 11. 65 million pending cases with regular decision days of more than a year.

Students consulted by the preceding media remarked that the new policy causes uncertainty, particularly among those who planned to follow master's degrees, doctorates, or stay longer for health or scientific reasons.

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