Source: The New York Times
Melissa Antone – Director of Global Operations, International Creative Capital
Published 12/1/2025
U.S. Policy Changes Impacting South Korean Investors and Business Travelers
As Director of Global Operations at ICC, I monitor the policy changes that may impact our clients, whether related to travel, planning, or investment timing. Many of the South Korean investors and business leaders we work with rely on predictable access to the United States, whether they’re evaluating a project, meeting partners, or preparing for an EB-5 filing. The update below shows a notable change in visa processing, and I wanted to share it so you can keep this in mind when making upcoming decisions with confidence.
State Department Increases Resources for South Korean Business Visas
The New York Times recently reported that the U.S. State Department is increasing its resources to process business visas for South Korean nationals. This change comes at an essential moment for companies on both sides of the Pacific, especially those that rely on cross-border travel for investment, supply chain operations, and project development.
Long Wait Times Have Affected South Korea–U.S. Business Relations
South Korea is one of America’s strongest financial partners, with a long history in technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and real estate investment projects. Over the past few years, South Korean executives and skilled professionals have faced unusually long wait times for U.S. visa appointments. In many cases, delays stalled business meetings, slowed project launches, and created uncertainty for investors preparing to enter the U.S.
Estimated Increase of 5,000 Additional Visa Appointments in Seoul
According to recent press reports summarizing the same development, the State Department’s staffing increase is expected to create roughly 5,000 additional visa-interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul beyond the normal volume. While the U.S. did not release formal figures in the Times article itself, this estimate reflects the scale of the effort now underway to reduce long-standing backlogs for South Korean business travelers.
Priority Cases in Technology and Investment Sectors Moving Faster
The added staffing and expanded resources are already creating more interview availability and helping priority cases, especially those tied to technology, semiconductor work, and significant investment activity, move through the system faster. For South Korean companies, this brings the predictability they’ve been waiting for. For American companies, it removes friction that has held up cross-border collaboration, partnership negotiations, and site visits.
Improved Appointment Availability for Business Travelers
Quicker processing times also help support the close working relationship between the United States and South Korea, especially in areas like high-tech manufacturing and supply chain planning. As the embassy adds more openings, business travelers should start to see more appointment availability and fewer scheduling problems.
Positive Impact on Investors Planning U.S. Visits and EB-5 Projects
As the embassy adds more openings, business travelers should start to see more appointment availability and fewer scheduling problems. Business travel is often the first step in evaluating a project, meeting with partners, and confirming due diligence. With visa processing moving more efficiently, South Korean executives and project teams should find it easier to plan their U.S. visits and keep timelines on track.
ICC’s Perspective on Policy Improvements for Cross-Border Investment
At International Creative Capital, we closely monitor policy changes that affect international travel. This decision by the State Department is encouraging for South Korean investors and business owners who count on dependable entry into the United States. As processing speeds up, travel should become easier, communication should improve, and companies planning to expand or invest in the U.S. will have a clearer path forward.
Connect With ICC for Guidance on U.S. Investment and EB-5 Options
If you’re considering a U.S. business or investment opportunity and want clarity on EB-5 visa options, including how this policy change may affect your travel planning we’re here to help. Contact us today.