The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced a final rule that sets the duration of stay for F and J student visas to the length of the holder's academic program, with a maximum cap of four years.

In a statement, the department indicated that this measure is designed to prevent what it terms "perpetual students" who continuously enroll in courses primarily to "avoid departure" from the country.

The department stated that the rule will be published in the Federal Register in the "coming days" and will take effect 60 days after its publication.