As the US government introduces a new visa system capping student stays at four years in principle, students preparing to study in the United States are changing their strategies. Rather than targeting US universities alone, a growing number are also applying to schools in countries such as Canada or considering long-term residency options after graduation.
According to the education sector on the 25th, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a rule changing the residency method for holders of F (student) and J (exchange visitor) visas from the existing "Duration of Status (D/S)" to a fixed stay of up to four years in principle. Once the new system takes effect, students must undergo a review to extend their stay in order to continue their studies. It will also apply to students currently residing in the United States starting this September.
As a result, students preparing to study in the US are weighing not only their choice of university but also their employment and residency plans after graduation. One student preparing to study in the US said, "I had aimed to enter a US university, but since the visa system was revised, I am also looking into Canadian universities." The student added, "Considering employment and residency plans after graduation, I now have to compare several countries together."
In particular, considering the possibility that study periods may lengthen due to taking a leave of absence or changing majors, a significant number of students are reportedly preparing a "Plan B" by also applying to countries other than the United States. However, industry officials explain that because the competitiveness of a US degree is still highly valued, many are revising their strategies to broaden their options rather than giving up on studying in the US.
The study-abroad industry is also changing its counseling methods in response. Moving away from a focus on US university admissions, agencies are expanding seminars and counseling programs that also explain options such as entering Canadian universities or obtaining US permanent residency.
An official at a consulting firm specializing in US study abroad said, "Rather than a mood of giving up on studying in the US, there are more cases of people keeping the US while also considering Canada or asking about permanent residency." The official added, "A bachelor's program can usually be completed within four years, so the impact is not large, but for cases like doctoral programs that take five to six years or more, concerns about the system change are relatively greater."
The Ministry of Education has also stepped in to reduce confusion among students. The ministry said it would cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promptly inform students in the US of the revised visa system, support them in responding based on sufficient information, and work to strengthen the foundation for attracting talented overseas personnel.
