It Will Become Harder to Go as an Exchange Student to the US... J-1 Visa Regulation Announcement Imminent

by Paek Jongmin

Published 26 May.2020 07:45(KST)

Announcement Expected as Early as This Week

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Reports have emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump will announce this week an expansion of restrictions on overseas workers coming to the United States, specifically targeting the J-1 visa. Since many students from our country also receive this visa, direct impacts are a concern.

The U.S. political news outlet Politico reported on the 25th (local time), citing four officials, that President Trump is expected to sign related measures this week to expand and extend restrictions on foreign workers coming to the U.S.

The core of this measure targets the J-1 visa, known as the cultural exchange visa. The State Department describes the J-1 visa as a non-immigrant visa issued to participants in exchange visitor programs based on work or research. It is classified as a U.S. study visa to encourage the exchange of talent, knowledge, and skills in education, arts, and science fields.

Typically, the J-1 visa applies to exchange visits by middle and high school students and university students, exchange professors, and training for national government officials. This visa is also required for internships within the U.S.

Politico explained that the nominal purpose of this measure is to reduce the number of people coming to the U.S. and students obtaining temporary jobs while attending American universities. It also added that those who come with cultural exchange visas are employed during vacation periods at amusement parks, camps, resorts, and similar places.

Separately, the Trump administration is reportedly considering suspending visas for skilled professional workers and seasonal workers in landscaping, construction, and other fields.