The Trump administration has finalized new rules for foreign students in the United States. Student visas will now be capped at four years.

Universities will no longer be able to extend these visas. Any extension beyond four years will need federal approval.

The rules also make it harder for students to switch schools. Changing academic programs will also be harder especially for graduate students.

The administration also set new limits for foreign journalists. Journalists can now stay in the US for only 240 days.

Chinese journalists face a shorter 90-day limit. The new rules take effect 60 days after they are published.

They still need to go through congressional review. Homeland security leaders said over 2100 people entered as students between 2000 and 2010.

These people reportedly still held student status as of April 2026. Officials also said 1.8 million student visas were issued in 2024.

That number was 11% higher than before. Officials said these numbers show why tighter rules are needed.