An employee at an immigration consulting firm in Gangnam District, Seoul, said inquiries have surged recently from people preparing to immigrate to the United States. Most of the calls ask whether they filed the documents correctly and whether there are any additional documents they need to prepare.
As the administration of Donald Trump in the United States begins training to tighten visa screening, immigrant visa interviews around the world have been postponed one after another. Not only applicants in Korea awaiting interviews but also Koreans staying in the United States are closely watching for potential policy changes. Some international students are turning their attention to Canada or New Zealand instead of the United States.
◇ Immigration consulting industry: "Asset requirements may get stricter"
According to the industry on the 29th, the U.S. Embassy in Korea suspended immigrant visa interviews scheduled from the 25th to the 31st. Applicants are waiting for new dates, but a specific time to resume has not yet been set.
Applicants preparing for interviews are unable to hide their bewilderment. A person surnamed A, who has an investor immigration interview in September, said, "Since the Trump administration took office, frequent changes related to visas have been a headache," adding, "It seems like investor immigration would be relatively favorable, but for now I will have to watch the situation."
In the immigration consulting industry, there is a view that in future visa screening, applicants' assets and financial self-sufficiency may be scrutinized more closely. Earlier, the U.S. State Department said it would begin training at embassies worldwide to tighten visa screening. The intent is to screen out applicants deemed likely to rely on U.S. public benefits.
However, the U.S. Embassy in Korea is proceeding as scheduled with nonimmigrant visa interviews such as student (F-1) and business trip (B-1).
◇ Local residents also uneasy… Korean green card acquisitions in the U.S. plunge 15%
Koreans staying in the United States while preparing to obtain green cards or employment-based immigration also say they are anxious.
Cho, 37, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in the United States while preparing for employment-based immigration, said, "I am already sweating as I prepare procedures to substantiate my case with an immigration lawyer and document my research achievements," adding, "The fatigue is high because the policies are changing day after day."
Similarly, Kim, 32, who is also pursuing a Ph.D., said, "They say there is no immediate problem with my student visa, but because we don't know when the Trump administration will announce what policy, I am staying in the United States through the vacation period instead of returning home."
The number of Koreans actually obtaining U.S. green cards is also showing a marked decline. According to data from the Office of Immigration Statistics at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through September this year, 10,440 Koreans obtained U.S. green cards, down 15.1% from the same period a year earlier. That is about four times the previous drop of 3.9%.
◇ International students shift to English-speaking countries instead of the United States
International students are turning to English-speaking regions outside the United States. Many now prefer countries where the path to permanent residency is easier or that are implementing pro-immigration policies.
Canada is a prime example. A Canada-focused study abroad agency said, "Due to the U.S. government's (anti-immigration policy) stance, demand for immigration to Canada is on the rise," adding, "The most preferred path is studying abroad, then getting a local job and obtaining permanent residency." It said age, education level, and asset size are not very important for issuing study visas.
New Zealand, where permanent residency can be obtained in a short period, is also seeing rising demand for study abroad. Jang Yong-seok, president of the Korea Study Abroad Association, said, "Demand for studying in New Zealand, which had been increasing slightly since last year, has grown further this year," adding, "In addition to a flexible education system, practical requirements such as the visa issuance process and the permanent residency system appear to have had a significant impact."