U.S. nonimmigrant visas to South Koreans drop nearly 8% under Trump administration
U.S. granted about 8% fewer nonimmigrant visas to South Koreans in 2025 than in 2024, according to analysis by Rep. Hong Kee-won's office.
Data examined by Rep. Hong Kee-won's office show the United States issued 68,130 nonimmigrant visas to South Korean citizens in 2025, a 7.95% drop from one outlet,015 visas granted in 2024 under the prior administration. The decrease spanned most visa types, notably the B-1 business and B-2 tourism categories, while F-1 student visas fell from a monthly average of 1,195 in 2024 to 965 in 2025 and further to 273 in the first two months of 2026.
Following the surprise detention of hundreds of Korean workers in Georgia last September, a visa support desk was launched at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul in December to streamline entry for Korean investors. Monthly averages for B-1 and B-2 visas rose from 1,212 in 2025 to 2,027 in January-February 2026. Hong cautioned that the overall decline, linked to the Trump administration's immigration policies, could significantly impact Korean students planning to study in the U.S. and urged the use of all diplomatic channels to normalize visa issuance.
Why it matters
The visa decline could restrict travel, business, and education opportunities for South Koreans in the United States.
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