Student Visa Integrity Act of 2026

Key Points

• Congress is considering a plan to ban students from several countries, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela, from attending colleges or universities in the United States. It also blocks students from certain other nations from studying sensitive subjects like nuclear science or flight training.
• The bill would set a strict four-year limit on how long most international students can stay in the country. It also limits online learning, requiring that at least 90% of a student's classes be taken in person, and prevents students from changing their major once they have started their program.
• Schools that host international students would face much tougher oversight. They would be required to disclose any financial ties or contracts with the Chinese government and ensure their staff pass federal background checks. School officials who help commit visa fraud could face up to 15 years in prison.
• Businesses that hire international students would be required to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm they are allowed to work. These employers would also have to report the student's specific job duties, work location, and wages to the government to ensure they are not replacing American workers.
• The proposal would create a more advanced digital tracking system to monitor students from the moment they apply until they leave the country. Students from countries considered national security risks would also be required to undergo in-person interviews before they can extend their stay in the U.S.

Votes

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Related Bills

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