The U.S. government has announced plans to introduce a new fixed-term visa policy for international students and journalists, sparking significant concerns.
Students have historically been granted a "duration of status" (D/S), allowing them to remain in the U.S. for the entire duration of their academic program. However, the new rule, which will take effect on September 29, 2025, will replace the D/S framework with a four-year maximum period of admission and two years for students from countries identified as having high overstay rates.
The rule affects F and J visas. F-1 visas are for academic students, and J-1 visas are for exchange visitors, including students. Under the new regulations, F and J visa holders from affected countries will be required to apply for an extension of stay to complete their studies, a process that may involve additional administrative burdens, costs, and delays.
This policy is directly linked to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its 2023 Entry/Exit Overstay Report. The report identified Nigeria as a country with a visa overstay rate above 10 percent in 2023, making it one of the nations subject to the new policy.
For Nigerian students, who have increasingly looked to the U.S. for educational opportunities, this adds a new layer of uncertainty. The proposed rule could significantly impact their academic plans and financial stability, as they will now face the added stress and cost of a new visa application process every two years.
In addition to student limitations, the new rule restricts journalists' stays to 240 days. Journalists are typically issued an I visa.
