The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has cleared a hurdle in its push to impose fixed-term student visas for international students.
This comes after a proposal by the DHS was cleared by the White House on August 8, 2025.
In the proposal, the DHS is seeking the implementation of fixed-term student visas.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that as of press time, F-1 and J-1 visa holders are allowed to remain in the U.S. as long as they are enrolled in academic programs or internships.
However, the new proposal floated the idea of fixed-term student visas which would cap stays of foreign students in the U.S. at two or four years, depending on factors like nationality or course of study.
Under the new proposal, international students will now be required to apply for visa extensions to continue their studies.
It was gathered that the policy shift is aimed at enhancing national security and reducing visa overstays.
The proposal marks a return to a policy first introduced in 2020 under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
In 2020, the plan drew criticism from academic institutions, with several higher education groups warning it would introduce uncertainty and disrupt ongoing academic work.
The proposal was later stepped down by former President Joe Biden when he came into power.
