WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has finalised a sweeping overhaul of US visa rules for foreign journalists, ending the decades-old “duration of status” system and replacing it with fixed-term admissions that will require reporters to undergo periodic government review to continue working in the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the changes in a final rule published this week, saying the new policy is intended to strengthen oversight of foreign media representatives and ensure they continue to meet the requirements of their nonimmigrant status.
Under the new regulations, journalists holding I visas will generally be admitted for a maximum of 240 days, instead of being allowed to remain in the United States for the duration of their assignment, a practice that in some cases permitted stays lasting several years. Journalists from China will be limited to 90-day admissions.
The rule will take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, with a transition period beginning in September 2026.
Foreign journalists seeking to remain in the United States beyond the initial admission period will be required to apply for an extension of stay and undergo additional vetting, including reviews related to national security.
