International students are experiencing major confusion following changes to the visa system by the Donald Trump administration in the United States.

In response, the Korean diplomatic mission has stepped up to directly explain points that international students should watch out for, joined by an expert.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles (Consul General Kim Young-wan) held a webinar titled "Briefing on Changes to the U.S. International Student Visa System" on the afternoon of the 13th (local time) to outline the major features and precautions of the revised system.

The consulate stated that the biggest change in the current system overhaul is limiting the period of stay for international students to four years.

Those exceeding this period must go through an extension process with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Advisory Attorney Kim Deok-gyun said, "Previously, the federal immigration agency did not control the period of stay for international students, and practical authority rested with the designated school official (DSO) within the institution," adding, "Now, the immigration agency is stepping in to directly control and review it."

Detailed review criteria have not been made public, but an extension of stay (EOS) is expected to require a "justifiable reason."

Attorney Kim added, "They say it requires proof of special circumstances beyond one's control, such as illness," and "Simple poor academic performance or academic probation cannot be justifiable reasons."

Experts also explained that under the revised system, undergraduate students are allowed to change their major only after completing their freshman year at the school that issued their I-20, while graduate students are fundamentally barred from changing their majors and educational goals while enrolled.

Transferring to another school while enrolled is also prohibited in principle, and exceptions can only be granted with special permission in extreme circumstances such as school closures.

The explanation noted that students are also restricted from pursuing lower or equivalent degree programs again.

For example, if someone 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.

Attorney Kim stated, "There were cases where people finished a master's program and started another master's program in a different field without returning home, and in some cases, even pursued three master's degrees," adding, "The new rule has changed to limit it to one master's program and one doctoral program."

He also urged, "Once the new rules take effect on September 15, there will be restrictions on changing majors or transferring schools for master's and doctoral students. You need to plan well in advance."

He advised, "When the new rules are implemented, airport screenings may become stricter," and "When re-entering the U.S., it is advisable to bring proof that you are maintaining student status and are registered full-time at the school. It would also be safe to bring your transcripts through immigration customs."

He further anticipated, "You must check the expiration date of your passport," and "Basically, even if your I-20 has three to four years remaining, when entering (the U.S. after September 15), the period of stay will be granted up to the last date your passport is valid."

As waiting periods are expected to be longer when applying under regular programs, applicants were advised to apply up to 180 days in advance.

Toward the end of the briefing, a Q&A session took place where international students asked questions directly and Attorney Kim answered them.

A flurry of specific questions on details—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) visas—offered a glimpse into the confusion students are experiencing on the ground.

Education Consul Lee Ji-eun explained, "We will hold additional briefings considering when detailed regulations are announced and when Korean international students return to the U.S.," adding, "Any questions can be answered through free legal counseling related to youth employment available on the Consulate General website."

Police Consul Lee Seung-yong also attended the event, warning students to be cautious as voice phishing incidents targeting international students are running rampant.

Consul Lee warned, "They steal personal information and trick people into wiring money by claiming that your identity has been stolen and your phone number is being used in crimes, and that failing to resolve it will cause problems with your stay and re-entry to the U.S.," adding, "International students are actually receiving these calls, and young people in their 20s and 30s are falling victim."

(Photo: Screen capture of the Consulate General of LA visa briefing webinar, Yonhap News)