U.S. Limits Student Visas to 4 Years, Including Current Students

[Anchor]

The Trump administration, which is pursuing strict immigration control policies, has announced that it will limit the stay of international students to four years. The policy is set to apply to all students, including those currently studying in the U.S., without exception. As it is expected to take effect as early as the new semester in September, significant confusion is anticipated.

First, here is the report by Kim Young-a.

[Reporter]

This is the new international student visa policy announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the 16th (local time).

The policy limits the duration of stay for international students and exchange visitors to a maximum of four years.

To extend their stay beyond that period, students must undergo a rigorous review process, which includes biometric verification, background checks, and investigations into potential fraud.

The grace period for students to remain in the U.S. after graduation for departure preparations or transferring schools has also been significantly reduced from the existing 60 days to 30 days. In particular, strict restrictions will be introduced regarding changes in academic programs.

This is interpreted as an intention to no longer easily grant extensions for stays resulting from changes in majors or school transfers.

Until now, holders of U.S. student visas could stay indefinitely as their visas were automatically extended until they completed their studies.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security emphasized that many students have abused this system to remain as "perpetual students" and avoid leaving the country.

Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin stated, "The outdated system has threatened national security and created an environment where immigration fraud is rampant."

The new system will take effect 60 days after being published in the Federal Register, which is expected to be around mid-September.

Consequently, the four-year limit will apply not only to new international students but also to the visas of those already studying in the U.S.

However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that for existing international students, the four-year period will begin from the date the new system takes effect.

Reuters reported that as of 2024, the number of U.S. student visa holders exceeded 1.8 million.

When including students currently planning to study in the U.S., it is expected that millions will face major confusion.

[Video Editing: Jung Sung-hoon]
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.