US Plans 2-Year Limit on Student Visas for Certain Countries

Plan to Issue 2-Year Valid Visas to International Students from 59 Countries Including Bukhan

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. government is expected to introduce a new rule limiting student visas for 59 countries to two years. Significant difficulties are anticipated for students from these countries studying in the United States.

According to U.S. media outlets such as CNN and Vox on the 24th (local time), the Department of Homeland Security is scheduled to announce new guidelines limiting the duration of stay for international students in the United States in the Federal Register on the 25th.

The revised visa issuance rules target a total of 59 countries, including terrorism-supporting countries such as Iran, Syria, Sudan, and North Korea, as well as 55 countries with visa overstay rates exceeding 10%.

Once these guidelines are implemented, international students admitted to U.S. universities with a two-year valid visa will need to provide concrete evidence regarding the time required to complete their studies in order to extend their stay.

Vox predicted that it is unclear whether the new visa regulations will take effect. Vox reported that if President Trump wins re-election, there is a high possibility that this measure will be enforced. Previously, the U.S. had announced but then canceled a policy restricting visa issuance for students enrolled in schools conducting 100% online classes.