Washington: (RightNow) The Trump administration has tightened visa rules for foreign students, journalists, and cultural exchange participants. The new regulations limit student visas to a maximum of 4 years, with a requirement to leave the U.S. within 30 days after completing their studies.

Visa conditions for foreign journalists have also been altered. Chinese journalists now face a visa duration limited to 90 days, while other foreign journalists are granted a 240-day visa.

International students on F visas and exchange program participants on J visas will have a maximum duration of 4 years. Under the new rules, graduate students cannot change majors or transfer to another institution during their studies.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that over 1.8 million student visas were issued in 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year.

It is important to note that these measures are taken with U.S. national security in mind to enhance monitoring of foreign nationals.