Student Visa Integrity Act of 2026
Congress Proposes Strict New Limits and Security Checks for International Students
Legislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
This bill would dramatically restrict international students on F, J, and M visas. Students from China, Russia, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Venezuela would be completely banned from attending U.S. colleges and universities. All student visa holders would face a hard four-year cap on their stay, be barred from changing their major or program of study, and be limited to no more than 10% online coursework. Students from countries considered security risks would need in-person interviews to extend their stay. These changes would fundamentally reshape who can study in the U.S. and under what conditions.
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
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Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Student Visa Integrity Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.