國際學生簽證處境困難 政策收緊、審查加深　國際學生的美國夢面臨考驗

多年以來，美國憑藉世界一流的大學、自由開放的學術環境，以及多元文化社會，吸引了全球無數優秀青年赴美求學。國際學生不僅為美國校園帶來人才與文化交流，也為科研、科技創新及地方經濟作出了重要貢獻。

然而，近年來美國學生簽證政策持續收緊，國際學生的處境日益困難。申請人除了必須準備學校錄取通知、財力證明及完整的學習計畫，還要接受更嚴格的面談、安全背景與網路社群審查。美國國務院已將網路活動審查納入F、M及J類學生與交流訪問簽證的審核範圍，使許多學生擔心，過去在社群媒體上的一般言論，也可能影響簽證結果。(Travel.state.gov⁠)

更令人憂心的是，美國已確定改變國際學生長期沿用的「身分有效期間」制度。自2026年9月15日起，F類學生將不再原則上按照完成學業所需時間留美，而可能受到最長四年期限的限制。若博士研究、醫學訓練或其他課程超過規定期限，學生便需要另外提出延期申請。(Study in the States⁠)

這項改變對國際學生造成極大的不確定性。研究工作不一定能按照預定時間完成，論文、實驗、實習及學校轉換也可能因各種原因延後。如果學生必須頻繁申請延長身分，不但增加費用和行政負擔，也可能因審批延誤而中斷學業。

此外，多數非移民簽證申請人目前原則上都需要親自接受領事面談，符合免面談資格的人數已明顯減少。對於居住地距離美國使領館遙遠的學生而言，預約、交通、住宿及等待結果，都成為沉重負擔。(Travel.state.gov⁠)

許多學生即使已經獲得大學錄取，也可能因簽證延誤而錯過開學日期，被迫延期入學。有些家庭已經支付學費押金、住宿費和機票，最後卻因簽證未能及時核發，遭受重大經濟損失。

對已經在美國求學的學生而言，壓力同樣沉重。他們必須隨時保持全日制學生身分，按時更新地址與學校資料，並嚴格遵守校內外工作的規定。任何疏忽，都可能影響SEVIS紀錄、實習資格，甚至合法居留身分。

畢業後的道路也充滿挑戰。許多國際學生希望利用選擇性實習訓練計畫，也就是OPT，將所學運用於美國企業和研究機構。然而，OPT及外國畢業生就業問題正在成為政策辯論焦點，使學生難以規劃自己的職業與人生方向。

美國當然有責任維護國家安全，防止簽證欺詐及非法居留。但是，安全審查不應演變成對所有國際學生的全面懷疑，更不應讓真正前來求學、研究和貢獻社會的青年，長期生活在恐懼與不確定之中。

國際教育是一座連接世界的橋樑。今天來到美國留學的青年，未來可能成為科學家、企業家、醫師、外交官及國際領袖。他們對美國的印象，不只是來自課堂，也來自美國政府和社會如何對待他們。

我們呼籲美國政府在維護安全的同時，也應建立清楚、穩定、公平而有效率的學生簽證制度；各大學則應加強法律諮詢、心理支持及緊急援助，協助國際學生了解自己的權利與責任。

美國之所以偉大，不只是因為擁有強大的經濟與科技，更因為它曾經願意向世界各地有夢想的人敞開大門。

教育不應成為政治角力的犧牲品。讓真正希望求學的青年能夠安心進入校園、完成學業並服務社會，才是維護美國長期競爭力與國際領導地位的正確道路。

International Students Face Growing Visa Difficulties

Tighter Policies and Increased Scrutiny Are Challenging Their American Dreams

For many years, the United States has attracted outstanding young people from around the world because of its world-class universities, open academic environment, and multicultural society. International students contribute not only talent and cultural diversity to American campuses, but also make important contributions to scientific research, technological innovation, and local economies.

In recent years, however, U.S. student visa policies have become increasingly restrictive, placing international students in a more difficult position. In addition to preparing admission letters, financial documents, and detailed study plans, applicants may also face stricter interviews, security screenings, and reviews of their social media activity.

Many students are now concerned that even ordinary comments or posts made online could affect the outcome of their visa applications. This increased uncertainty has created anxiety for students and their families, even after they have already received admission from an American university.

The process itself has also become more complicated and time-consuming. Many visa applicants are required to attend in-person interviews, while appointment availability at some U.S. embassies and consulates remains limited. Students who live far from a consulate must often spend additional money on transportation, lodging, and application-related expenses.

Even after receiving admission, some students may miss the beginning of the academic semester because of visa delays. In many cases, families have already paid tuition deposits, housing fees, and airline tickets. If a visa is not issued in time, they may suffer serious financial losses and be forced to postpone their education.

For students who are already studying in the United States, the pressure is equally serious. They must maintain full-time enrollment, keep their school and address information updated, and strictly follow regulations regarding employment and internships. Even a small administrative mistake may affect their immigration record, work authorization, or legal status.

International students also face uncertainty after graduation. Many hope to participate in Optional Practical Training, commonly known as OPT, so they can apply what they have learned in American companies, laboratories, hospitals, and research institutions.

However, debates over foreign graduates, employment opportunities, and immigration policy have made it increasingly difficult for students to plan their careers and futures. Some students invest years of effort and significant financial resources in an American education, only to discover that their ability to remain and work in the country is uncertain.

The United States certainly has the responsibility to protect national security, prevent visa fraud, and enforce immigration laws. However, security screening should not become a system of general suspicion toward all international students. Young people who genuinely come to study, conduct research, and contribute to society should not be forced to live under constant fear and uncertainty.

International education is a bridge connecting the United States with the rest of the world. Today’s international students may become tomorrow’s scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, diplomats, educators, and global leaders. Their impression of America is shaped not only by what they learn in the classroom, but also by how they are treated by the government and society.

We therefore urge the U.S. government to establish a student visa system that is clear, stable, fair, and efficient while continuing to protect national security. Universities should also provide stronger legal guidance, psychological support, and emergency assistance to help international students understand their rights and responsibilities.

America’s greatness has never depended only on its economic strength or technological leadership. It has also been built upon its willingness to open its doors to talented and hardworking people from around the world.

Education should not become a victim of political conflict. Allowing qualified international students to enter the country, complete their studies, and contribute to society is essential to preserving America’s long-term competitiveness and global leadership.