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NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – MainJuly 16, 2026Miami-Dade

New Federal Rule Limits Foreign Student Stays to Four Years

The U.S. government is implementing a new policy that restricts foreign students to a maximum four-year stay unless they receive specific federal approval. The rule, effective in September, also places new limits on how students can change their academic programs.

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Why It Matters

Foreign students, who often pay full tuition and contribute to university budgets, face new administrative hurdles and potential visa expiration risks if their academic programs exceed four years.

Key Facts

  • The new rule limits foreign student stays in the U.S. to a maximum of four years without federal approval.
  • The policy takes effect in September.
  • The rule introduces new restrictions on changing academic majors or programs.
  • Current rules allow students to stay for the duration of their academic program, even if it exceeds four years.
  • The Department of Homeland Security claims the rule closes a loophole used to prolong stays.
  • Foreign students are ineligible for federal financial aid and often pay full tuition.
  • The policy requires visa applicants to share social media account information.
  • Travel bans currently affect students from over a dozen countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Who's Mentioned

organizationPresidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration“Non-profit organization opposing the new measure.”organizationNAFSA“Association representing international education.”personFanta Aw“Executive Director of NAFSA.”personZuzana Wootson“Deputy Director of Federal Policy at the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Educatio”personMarkwayne Mullin“Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security cited in the report.”organizationDepartamento de Seguridad Nacional“The federal department responsible for the new visa policy.”personDonald Trump“President of the United States during the administration implementing the rule.”