The United States of America (USA), under President Donald Trump's administration, has introduced new measures that impose time limits on visas issued to foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists.

Under the new measure, which is expected to affect Ghanaians and other international students seeking to study or work in the United States; foreign students will no longer be allowed to remain in the country indefinitely after their studies.

Japan opens new academic pathways for Ghanaian students

A statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on July 16, 2026, said international students and exchange visitors will generally be limited to a stay of four years.

Additionally, the DHS added that the departure grace period for F-1 students after graduation has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days, meaning will have less time to prepare to leave the United States, transfer to another school, or change their immigration status.

The proposed rule also requires visa holders who need more time to complete their academic programmes to apply directly to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay (EOS) or leave the country and apply to come back.

Under the new process, oversight will shift from universities to federal immigration authorities, with applicants required to undergo biometric screening, background checks and fraud vetting.

The statement said the new measures are intended to eliminate what it described as the "duration of status" loophole, which it said had allowed international students and other visa holders to remain in the United States for extended periods.

“Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the publication of a final rule that officially eliminates the “duration of status” loophole that allowed foreign students, exchange visitors, and media representatives to remain in the United States indefinitely without routine government oversight,” it stated.

The regulation is expected to take effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register, subject to congressional review.

“The final rule will publish in the Federal Register in the next few days. The rule will go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register,” the statement also noted.

For current nonimmigrant visa holders in the United States under the previous “duration of status” system, the transition to the new rules will happen automatically.

Their stay will be limited to a maximum of four years from the date the new rule takes effect.

Government hints at introduction of diaspora national service

“Current nonimmigrant visa holders residing in the United States under the previous “duration of status” framework will transition to the new system automatically, with their authorized stay capped at a maximum of four years from the effective date of this rule,” DHS announced.

If implemented, it could affect admissions for college programmes scheduled to begin in August and September.

MAG/VPO

Ask Kufuor about the money I spent and Akufo-Addo the cars I bought for him Chief fumes

TWI NEWS