미국 유학생 체류 "4년 제한"…120만 명 타격 / 연합뉴스TV (YonhapnewsTV)

[Anchor] The U.S. government has finalized strict regulations limiting the visa stay period for international students to a maximum of four years. While it was previously possible to stay indefinitely in accordance with the duration of their studies, going forward, they will be required to undergo a rigorous review process for extensions. Reporter Lee Ji-hyun reports. [Reporter] The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that it will limit the stay period for F visas for international students to a maximum of four years. Foreign media outlets, including Bloomberg and Reuters, reported that the Department of Homeland Security published the final regulations containing these details in the Federal Register on the 16th (local time). Previously, visas were automatically extended without additional review while students were pursuing their regular academic coursework, allowing for virtually indefinite stays; however, the duration will now be strictly limited. After four years, students must apply for an extension of stay. Since there is a high likelihood of rejection if their academic plans are unclear, this is expected to deal a blow to international students who planned to pursue integrated master's and doctoral programs or obtain long-term degrees. Not only international students, but also exchange visitors holding J visas will have their period of stay limited to four years. In the case of I visas received by media correspondents, the period is capped at 240 days, and they must go through an extension process every 240 days thereafter. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security explained that it made this decision due to the significant administrative burden of monitoring the rapidly increasing number of international students and exchange visitors. As these regulations are expected to take effect in mid-September, 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, significant confusion is anticipated in the field starting immediately with the new fall semester. It is estimated that there are approximately 1.2 million international students worldwide seeking degrees in the United States. Among them, the number of South Korean students holding F-1 visas reportedly reached about 18,000 last year, according to figures compiled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is Lee Ji-hyun from Yonhap News TV. [Video Editing: No Il-hwan] ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV's Documentary Channel 'Docu-Digging'    / @docu-digging   ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV YouTube Channel    / @yonhapnewstv23   ▣ The Beginning of Korean News: Yonhap News TV http://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/