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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security moved to amend visa regulations for foreign students and journalists on Thursday (July 16, 2026), replacing the more open-ended stays that are currently stipulated, according to a government notice.
The new final rule would create a fixed time period for F visas for international students, J visas that allow visitors on cultural exchange programs to work in the U.S., and I visas for members of the media. Those visas are currently available for the duration of the program or U.S.-based employment.
Foreign journalists would be limited to stays of just 240 days, or around eight months, although they could apply to extend by additional 240-day periods, except for Chinese journalists who would get just 90 days.
The move, which could be implemented as soon as September, is subject to congressional review before an effective date can be determined, DHS said in a posting in the Federal Register.
With inputs from Reuters, AFP
Published – July 16, 2026 07:45 pm IST
