For students, researchers and foreign journalists preparing for long stays in the US, a major visa change has been put on hold just before it was due to take effect.
A federal judge in Boston has blocked the Trump administration’s proposed rules that would have introduced fixed limits on the stay of international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists. The order applies across the country while the legal challenge continues.
Four-year limit put on hold
The proposed system would have introduced a four-year ceiling for people entering on F and J visas, leaving those in longer academic or exchange programmes dependent on an extension.
Foreign journalists holding I visas would have faced a maximum stay of 240 days under the proposed rules.
The plan would also have shortened the grace period available after completing studies from 60 days to 30 days.
A long-standing system remains in place
At the heart of the dispute is the US system that has allowed eligible students and exchange visitors to stay for the period required by their programmes for decades.
The proposed rule aimed to replace this nearly 50-year-old “duration of status” system with fixed periods of stay.
For now, the court order means the existing framework remains in place nationwide.
Judge questions the government’s reasoning
US District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV issued the preliminary injunction shortly before the regulation was scheduled to begin.
Saylor described the Department of Homeland Security’s reasoning as “exceptionally weak” and questioned its arguments linking the proposed changes to visa fraud and national security.
He also warned that the policy could create significant problems for US universities and the wider economy, including higher administrative costs and a possible decline in international enrolment.
Indian students among those affected
The decision is particularly relevant to Indian students, who form one of the largest international student groups in the US.
The temporary block means students and exchange visitors will continue under the existing duration-of-status framework while the case moves forward.
Higher-education groups welcomed the decision, while the US government criticised the ruling.
The legal fight continues
The court’s decision does not permanently cancel the proposed rule. It is a preliminary injunction that pauses implementation while the legal proceedings continue, and the government may appeal.
For now, the proposed limits are on hold and the existing visa system remains in effect.
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