Student Visa Changes in the U.S. 2025: Understand the New Trump Proposal.
- Murtaz Navsariwala
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Studying in the United States is the dream of thousands of international students.
In addition to receiving a high-quality education, many take the opportunity to gain professional experience through programs such as CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training).
But this scenario may be about to change.
In August 2025, the Trump administration introduced a new proposal that changes the duration of stay for student, exchange, and journalist visas. This possible change is already raising concerns among universities, educational organizations, and immigration professionals.
In this article, you’ll understand what is being proposed, how it may affect international students, and why seeking professional legal guidance is essential.
Table of Contents
What changes with the student visa proposal in 2025?
Currently, international students with an F-1 visa can remain in the U.S. for the full duration of their program, thanks to the “duration of status” model, which does not impose a fixed expiration date.
With the new proposal, this flexibility would end. The main changes include:
Undergraduate and graduate students (F-1): maximum limit of 4 years.
Language program students (e.g., English): maximum limit of 24 months.
Journalists (I visa): up to 240 days, and only 90 days for Chinese journalists.
In other words, instead of staying for the full duration of their studies, students would face strict deadlines. After that period, they would need to formally apply for an extension to remain in the U.S.
According to the Trump administration, the goal is to strengthen immigration control and prevent visa abuse.
However, critics argue that the measure could:
Reduce the attractiveness of the U.S. as an educational destination.
Harm international education and exchange programs.
Impact press freedom.
Drive away qualified foreign talent that contributes to the U.S. economy.
What about work opportunities for international students?
Even under the proposal, students who maintain their F-1 visa would still be able to access legal work opportunities, depending on their program:
On-campus work: F-1 students, including those in English language programs, may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks. These jobs are usually within the institution, such as libraries, cafeterias, labs, or other departments.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training): practical training during the program, approved by the institution, in areas directly related to the student’s field of study.
OPT (Optional Practical Training): up to 12 months of work after completing the program, with a possible 24-month STEM extension, totaling 36 months.
These opportunities are valuable for students seeking real-world experience in the U.S. However, if the new rule goes into effect, it will become even more important to plan ahead to avoid the risk of losing legal status.
Also read: How to validate your degree in the USA: the essential guide for international professionals
How to prepare for the student visa change in the U.S. 2025?
The Trump proposal is still under review, but it could be approved at any time. If it does, international students will need to adapt to shorter durations and stricter rules.
What was once simple - staying in the U.S. for the entire course without a fixed deadline - could turn into a race against time, requiring formal renewals, advance planning, and careful compliance to maintain legal status.
That’s why specialized legal guidance is no longer optional - it’s essential.
Without proper support, you may miss crucial deadlines.
Without strategy, you risk jeopardizing your stay in the U.S.
With the right guidance, you can turn uncertainty into a solid plan to study, work, and build your future safely.
At Murtaz Law, we’ve already helped hundreds of students and professionals protect their plans in the United States. You can achieve this dream too!
Our team is ready to review your case, identify the best options, and build a strategic plan tailored to your goals.
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.