What if earning a degree in the US came with a countdown clock?
That’s the reality many international students could soon face under new Trump administration rules.
Starting in September, most foreign students on F-1 and J-1 visas will be limited to four years in the US.
They will need government approval to stay longer.
The changes also restrict transfers between colleges and academic programmes, while reducing the post-graduation grace period from 60 days to just 30.
The Department of Homeland Security says the policy is designed to stop visa abuse and strengthen national security through regular reviews.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin argued that the current system has allowed some students to remain in the country indefinitely.
He said they do so by continuously enrolling in courses.
Visa Changes Spark Concern
Critics, however, say the new rules create unnecessary hurdles.
Fanta Aw, chief executive of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, called the policy “misguided and unnecessary.”
She added it “injects uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear into a system that has long worked effectively.”
The changes could be especially challenging for graduate students, particularly in science and technology.
Research often takes longer than four years due to funding delays or the demands of complex projects.
Supporters see tighter oversight. Opponents see more red tape.
Either way, for thousands of international students, the road to a US degree just became a lot less predictable.
