The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a proposal to overhaul key aspects of its non-immigrant visa policy, a move that could significantly impact thousands of Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking to study, participate in exchange programmes or work as foreign media professionals in the United States.
If adopted after the regulatory process, the proposal would replace the long-standing “Duration of Status (D/S)” system with fixed periods of authorised stay for holders of F, J and I visas.
Under the existing arrangement, many international students and exchange visitors are permitted to remain in the United States for the duration of their approved academic or exchange programmes. The proposed framework would instead grant most applicants an initial stay of up to four years.
The DHS also indicated that applicants from countries identified as having high visa overstay rates or other security concerns could receive an initial stay of two years, after which they would be required to apply for an extension if they wish to remain in the country.
Foreign journalists travelling on I visas would also be affected. The proposal recommends limiting their authorised stay to 240 days, replacing the current system that generally allows accredited journalists to remain in the United States while they continue their professional assignments.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the proposed changes are aimed at strengthening immigration oversight, improving compliance with visa conditions and enhancing national security through more effective monitoring of temporary visitors.
The proposal forms part of the broader immigration policy direction of the administration of President Donald Trump, which has introduced tighter screening procedures and stricter oversight of several visa categories.
Should the proposal become law, it is expected to affect thousands of Nigerian students, researchers, exchange programme participants and media professionals who travel to the United States each year for education, training and professional assignments.
Immigration experts have advised prospective applicants to closely monitor updates from both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State, noting that the proposal remains subject to the federal rule-making process before any final implementation.
The latest proposal follows a series of recent adjustments to U.S. immigration and visa policies, reflecting Washington’s continued emphasis on tighter immigration controls and enhanced border security.
