Trump Administration Reconsiders Time Limits for US Student Visas

By Ezra July 6, 2025
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The United States may soon reintroduce fixed time limits on international student visas, ending the current flexible “duration of status” model that allows students to remain in the country as long as they continue their studies and meet visa requirements.

The proposal, submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on June 27 by the Department of Homeland Security, echoes a similar Trump-era rule from 2020 that was later withdrawn by the Biden administration. While the full content of the rule is yet to be made public, the title is identical to the earlier version, raising concerns that it may bring back the same restrictive framework.

Under the 2020 proposal, international students could stay in the US for just two or four years—based on their country of origin—with any extension requiring a separate application. According to immigration law experts, such a rule would create major administrative hurdles and uncertainty for students and institutions alike.

Aaron Blumberg, a partner at Fragomen Immigration, told The PIE News that the change would introduce “significant challenges” and “enormous strain” on visa processing, noting that most undergraduate and doctoral programmes exceed four years.

Students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT)—which accounts for nearly 22% of the international student population—would also face additional bureaucratic steps, including applying for both a work permit and a visa extension. This could increase the risk of visa denials and legal status loss due to administrative errors.

Historically, the US has been a top destination for international students, but experts warn the proposed changes could make the country less attractive. A similar plan in 2020 was widely criticised by stakeholders, who cited national data showing that only 56% of international undergraduates complete their degrees within four years.

The proposal is currently under review and will undergo a public consultation before any final decision is made.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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