Foreign Journalists Face New U.S. Visa Time Limits Beginning September 15

Summary

Foreign journalists working in the United States, and the media organizations that employ them, should review the significant change in U.S. immigration rules that takes effect September 15, 2026.

For decades, most foreign journalists holding I visa status—the designation the U.S. government gives for media members’ visas—have been admitted to the United States for “duration of status,” or D/S. This generally allowed journalists to remain in the United States for the duration of their assignments without repeatedly applying to extend their immigration status. Beginning September 15, that will change.

The Upshot

• Under the new rule, most foreign journalists entering the United States in I status will be admitted for a fixed period of no more than 240 days.