Key Facts
• August 27, 2025: U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced visa policy changes.
• F visas for students and J visas for researchers to be capped at 4 years.
• I visas for foreign journalists reduced from 5 years to 240 days; 90 days for Chinese nationals.
• Policy seen as part of broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.
• Public comment period of 30 days initiated for feedback on the proposed changes.
• Potential impact on Japanese students and other international participants in U.S. programs.
Summary
The Trump administration has proposed reducing the validity of visas for foreign students, researchers, and journalists as part of its immigration enforcement efforts. Announced on August 27, 2025, by the Department of Homeland Security, the changes would limit F and J visas to a maximum of four years. I visas for journalists would be shortened to 240 days, with Chinese nationals restricted to 90 days. A 30-day public comment period has been opened to gather feedback. If implemented, the policy could significantly affect international students, including those from Japan, and foreign media professionals operating in the U.S.
