U.S. Tightens Visa Policy for South Koreans, Cites Enforcement and Investor Protections

The U.S. government is moving to curb visa issuance to South Korean nationals, even as both countries negotiate changes to ease business‑related travel. The shift affects a variety of non‑immigrant categories including business, tourism, and work‑related entries.

What’s Changing — and Why

According to recent data, nonimmigrant visas granted to South Koreans dropped by roughly 18% between January and May 2025, compared with the same period last year.

Short‑term visas — such as B1/B2 (business/tourism), and temporary working or study visas like E and student categories — saw steeper declines. Some categories fell by more than 40%.

Officials attribute the reductions largely to the more restrictive visa screening and enforcement standards introduced by the U.S. administration.

Diplomatic Response and Steps Toward Reform

In response, Seoul and Washington launched a joint “Business Travel and Visa Working Group.” Their first formal meeting took place on September 30, 2025, aimed at clarifying visa rules and smoothing the path for Korean firms investing in the U.S.

Among outcomes: a plan to create a “Korean Investor Desk” at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, intended to provide a dedicated channel for visa‑related issues faced by Korean companies expanding operations in the U.S.

Under the revised visa guidelines, certain business activities — like installation, inspection or maintenance of imported equipment — are now explicitly allowed under B‑1 or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) frameworks, in hopes of preventing future labor‑related detentions similar to a high-profile raid earlier this year.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the working group and diplomatic efforts, a full resolution remains uncertain. The U.S. has expressed reluctance to expand specialized visa categories for South Koreans — such as the proposed “E‑4” work visa — citing complex legal and regulatory hurdles.