President Donald Trump’s administration has issued a new rule scrapping the policy allowing international students and exchange visitors to remain in the United States for as long as their studies last.

The new rule, announced by Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, replaced the policy with a four-year limit requiring many of them to seek federal permission to stay.

Under the rule, students on F visas and exchange visitors on J visas will only be able to stay in the US during the length of their programme up to four years. 

“Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the publication of a final rule that officially eliminates the “duration of status” loophole that allowed foreign students, exchange visitors, and media representatives to remain in the United States indefinitely without routine government oversight,” the statement said.

According to the new rule, anyone needing more time, including most doctoral candidates and physicians in lengthy residencies, will have to file a formal extension request with U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services, provide biometrics and pay a fee, instead of relying on their schools to manage their status.

Students already in the country when the rule takes effect will be moved to a fixed-end date based on their current programprogramme, plus a grace period, rather than having to leave right away. 

The new rule also stipulated that those who let their fixed term expire would immediately begin accruing unlawful presence, exposing them to three- and 10-year bans on returning.

“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. 

Mr Mulin added that for decades, foreign students had been admitted into the U.S. indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse the immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the country.

“By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders. This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home,” he noted.

The rule also invalidated “duration of status,” which had been in place since the early 1990s under which a student’s entry record carried no set expiration date. 

It was expected to take effect September 15, even though the Congress could delay or overturn it under the review process for major regulations.

The development came as the Trump administration revoked several student visas amid heightened actions targeting foreign students.