"Stays and Re-entry Set to Become Stricter"... Key Notices for US International Students

Amid growing confusion among international students due to visa policy changes by the Donald Trump administration, a Korean diplomatic mission has directly briefed students on key precautions alongside an expert.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles (Consul General Kim Young-wan) held a webinar on the 13th (local time) titled "Briefing on Changes to the U.S. International Student Visa System," outlining major characteristics of the revised rules and key points to note.

The most significant change in the overhaul is limiting the duration of stay for international students to four years and requiring those who exceed this period to go through an extension process with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Advisory Attorney Kim Deok-gyun explained the intent behind the policy change, saying, "Previously, the federal immigration agency did not control the duration of stay for international students; the practical authority rested with designated school officials (DSOs) within the schools. Now, the immigration agency is stepping in to directly control and review cases."

While detailed review criteria have not been disclosed, applications for extension of stay (EOS) are expected to require proof of a "justifiable reason."

"Applicants are required to prove special circumstances beyond their control, such as illness," Attorney Kim added. "Simple poor academic performance or academic probation cannot be justifiable reasons."

Experts also explained that under the revised rules, undergraduate students are permitted to change majors only after completing their first year at the school that issued their I-20 form, while graduate students are in principle prohibited from changing majors and educational objectives while enrolled.

Transferring to another school while enrolled is also prohibited in principle, with exceptions granted only under extreme circumstances such as school closures through special approval.

The rules also prevent students from pursuing lower or equivalent-level degree programs again, according to the briefing.

For instance, if a student has already earned a master's degree in the U.S., they will no longer be able to apply for another bachelor's or master's degree.

"Some individuals finished a master's program and, without returning home, started another master's program in a different field, or in some cases pursued three master's degrees," Attorney Kim said. "The new regulation changes this to a limit of one master's program and one doctoral program."

He added, "Once the new regulations take effect on September 15, there will be restrictions on changing majors or transferring universities for master's and doctoral students."

"Careful advance planning is necessary," he advised.

"When the new regulations are implemented, airport inspections could become stricter," he advised. "When re-entering the U.S., it is advisable to bring proof that you are maintaining student status and are registered full-time at your school."

"Carrying your transcript will also be safer during immigration clearance," he noted.

He also advised checking passport expiration dates closely, expecting that "even if your I-20 has three to four years remaining, the duration of stay upon entry [after September 15] will be granted up to the final validity date of the passport."

As waiting periods are expected to lengthen for regular program applications, students were recommended to apply up to 180 days in advance.

At the session, a flurry of detailed questions emerged—such as cases where the F-1 visa expiration date falls earlier than the I-20 end date from the point of applying for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Optional Practical Training (OPT)—offering a glimpse of the confusion students are experiencing on the ground.

Education Consul Lee Ji-eun announced plans for additional briefing sessions, stating, "Inquiries can be addressed through free legal counseling related to youth employment available on the Consulate General website."

Consul for Police Affairs Lee Seung-yong also attended the event, warning students to exercise caution as voice phishing scams targeting international students are on the rise.

Consul Lee warned, "Scammers claim that your identity has been stolen and your mobile phone number is being used in a crime, threatening that 'problems will arise with your stay and re-entry into the U.S.' if you do not resolve it, thereby stealing personal information and coercing money transfers." He added, "Quite a few international students have received such calls, and young people in their 20s and 30s are falling victim."
 
(Photo: Capture from the Consulate General in LA Visa Briefing Webinar, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.