国际学生签证处境困难 政策收紧、审查加深　国际学生的美国梦面临考验

多年以来，美国凭藉世界一流的大学、自由开放的学术环境，以及多元文化社会，吸引了全球无数优秀青年赴美求学。国际学生不仅為美国校园带来人才与文化交流，也為科研、科技创新及地方经济作出了重要贡献。

然而，近年来美国学生签证政策持续收紧，国际学生的处境日益困难。申请人除了必须準备学校录取通知、财力证明及完整的学习计画，还要接受更严格的面谈、安全背景与网路社群审查。美国国务院已将网路活动审查纳入F、M及J类学生与交流访问签证的审核范围，使许多学生担心，过去在社群媒体上的一般言论，也可能影响签证结果。(Travel.state.gov⁠)

更令人忧心的是，美国已确定改变国际学生长期沿用的「身分有效期间」制度。自2026年9月15日起，F类学生将不再原则上按照完成学业所需时间留美，而可能受到最长四年期限的限制。若博士研究、医学训练或其他课程超过规定期限，学生便需要另外提出延期申请。(Study in the States⁠)

这项改变对国际学生造成极大的不确定性。研究工作不一定能按照预定时间完成，论文、实验、实习及学校转换也可能因各种原因延后。如果学生必须频繁申请延长身分，不但增加费用和行政负担，也可能因审批延误而中断学业。

此外，多数非移民签证申请人目前原则上都需要亲自接受领事面谈，符合免面谈资格的人数已明显减少。对於居住地距离美国使领馆遥远的学生而言，预约、交通、住宿及等待结果，都成為沉重负担。(Travel.state.gov⁠)

许多学生即使已经获得大学录取，也可能因签证延误而错过开学日期，被迫延期入学。有些家庭已经支付学费押金、住宿费和机票，最后却因签证未能及时核发，遭受重大经济损失。

对已经在美国求学的学生而言，压力同样沉重。他们必须随时保持全日制学生身分，按时更新地址与学校资料，并严格遵守校内外工作的规定。任何疏忽，都可能影响SEVIS纪录、实习资格，甚至合法居留身分。

毕业后的道路也充满挑战。许多国际学生希望利用选择性实习训练计画，也就是OPT，将所学运用於美国企业和研究机构。然而，OPT及外国毕业生就业问题正在成為政策辩论焦点，使学生难以规划自己的职业与人生方向。

美国当然有责任维护国家安全，防止签证欺诈及非法居留。但是，安全审查不应演变成对所有国际学生的全面怀疑，更不应让真正前来求学、研究和贡献社会的青年，长期生活在恐惧与不确定之中。

国际教育是一座连接世界的桥樑。今天来到美国留学的青年，未来可能成為科学家、企业家、医师、外交官及国际领袖。他们对美国的印象，不只是来自课堂，也来自美国政府和社会如何对待他们。

我们呼吁美国政府在维护安全的同时，也应建立清楚、稳定、公平而有效率的学生签证制度；各大学则应加强法律諮询、心理支持及紧急援助，协助国际学生了解自己的权利与责任。

美国之所以伟大，不只是因為拥有强大的经济与科技，更因為它曾经愿意向世界各地有梦想的人敞开大门。

教育不应成為政治角力的牺牲品。让真正希望求学的青年能够安心进入校园、完成学业并服务社会，才是维护美国长期竞争力与国际领导地位的正确道路。

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.