International Student Guidance

“Will you require sponsorship?" —> You don’t have to always say “yes” to this job application question if you’re an international student! If you’re an international student, you’ve seen this question before, causing anxiety and stress in an already stressful process. (Context for others: International students fear that saying “yes” to this question will automatically eliminate them from the job applicant pool, which sucks.) If you’re an international student: you don’t have to automatically say “yes” to this question. ✅ You can say “no” in the following situation, - You will be on OPT which gives you an EAD card granting work authorization for 12-36 months (side note: you can also be self-employed on an OPT!), or - You will be working on STEM OPT which gives you an EAD card for 24 months and does not require employer sponsorship, AND - Most importantly, you’re ok with your employer not filing your H-1B in the future. You DO need employer sponsorship when filing an H-1B (or most other work visas). However, if you’re only planning to work at the company short-term and are willing to take the chance that they may not file your H-1B in the future, you don’t have to say “yes” to that question. Here’s why. Immigration Attorney Allison Kranz of Lodestone Legal, Immigration Law Firm says, "Employers are not permitted to reject an EAD. Federal law prohibits companies from committing unfair documentary practices, or discriminating when they verify someone’s work authorization documents (generally, in the Form I-9 and E-Verify processes for new hires). If an employer refuses a student's EAD card as proof of their ability to work in the U.S., this may be an act of discrimination and violation of the law.” So if you get a job offer and show them your EAD the employer must accept it even if it has a future expiration date. Think you've been discriminated against? There's help. Contact the U.S. Department of Justice's Immigrant and Employee Rights Section https://lnkd.in/gwXqGbaV 1-800-255-7688 Conclusion: If you have OPT/STEM OPT and work authorization through an EAD card, and you’re okay with your employer not filing an H-1B in the future, you can say “no” to the question, “Will you require immigration sponsorship?” …. Please re-share this post so it helps more people! 🙏 Finally, if you’re an immigrant in America, join 17000+ who get my weekly newsletter packed with breaking news & free resources like this: https://lnkd.in/gKtUGU-r :) p.s. This is NOT legal advice. Rather insights shared based on my research. #unshackled #immigration #USA #h1b #visa #india #jobs #layoffs #Career

Canada’s international education sector has gone through a number of policy changes since the start of this year. As these changes have been made on a piecemeal basis by the Canadian government, hence Canada has been in the news far more than the sector would have liked. However, as happens with almost every major event, the ‘news’ turns into ‘noise’, fuelled largely by ignorance of the facts. It is especially true in India, from where a large number of students go to Canada. Lets look at the facts below and cut the noise. Change no. 1- Canada announces a Cap on its international student intake. Noise- Canada doesn’t want international students and now it’s very difficult to go there. Fact- While Canada announced a reduction in the number of international students it would take every year, it is still going to welcome 437K students, which remains the largest number going to any country in the world. No other country, including the USA, the UK, Australia etc get such a large number of students from across the globe. Till last year, almost 40% of Canada’s international students came from India and at this ratio, still 175K or even higher number of Indian students should be going to Canada. Change no.2- Canada restricts Post Graduate Work Permit(PGWP) to only 5 select streams. Noise: Now it’s very difficult for international students to get a post study work permit in canada and work there. Fact- Yes, it’s correct that only students across five streams will get the PGWP now. But, this a good thing as the Canadian government has linked it to their job market needs. Now the students know which study programs are in demand in the Canadian job market and if they wish to stay and work in Canada, they now have a clear idea which programs to go for. Students who do not wish to stay back and work in canada and hence do not need a PGWP, could still select which ever program they want. Change no.3- Removal of SDS visa route Noise: It is now more difficult for Indian students to get a student visa for Canada. Fact: SDS program was only applicable for few select countries, including India. It promised to decide student visa application within 21 days and also required relatively fewer documents. However, it needed a student to deposit first year tuition fee in advance. The reality is that there is not more than 1-2 week difference in visa issuance timeline vs the regular route. So, one just needs to apply 1-2 weeks earlier. One big advantage of the normal route is that students need to deposit only first semester tuition fee and hence initial fund requirement is lower.At IDP, our visa approval rates are very good for normal route application. If you are a genuine student and can afford studying in Canada, getting a student visa is NOT a problem. So, let’s promote FACTS and cut down on NOISE. Canada remains a Great place to study. Do watch the video below IDP Education Ltd IDP India #Canada #studyincanada #studyabroad #ielts #canadabound

🚨 Breaking News: Canada Ends Student Direct Stream (SDS) - A Game-Changing Move in International Education 🎓 📢 Canada Ends Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE): What Does It Mean for Students, Schools, and the Global Education Landscape? 🌎 Yesterday, Canada made a big move in the world of international education by discontinuing the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE), programs that were once known for offering quicker, simpler visa processes for students from countries like India, China, and Nigeria. This shift is part of Canada’s push to make the study permit process more consistent across the board, aiming for equal access and stronger protections for international students. As someone who’s spent years in the study abroad space, here’s my take on what this means and what we all should be thinking about: 🌍 For Students and Canadian Universities - With SDS and NSE ending, all students will now go through Canada’s standard study permit process. This change may mean longer processing times and more planning for those hoping to study in Canada. Canadian universities, which rely on a steady flow of int'l students, could see a shift in timing & potentially even the diversity of their incoming classes. This could impact how they support & prepare for the needs of int'l students. 💰 For Financial Institutions & Lenders The end of SDS and NSE may affect lenders supporting students with financing. Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) are still accepted, but with a standard process for all, timing and document requirements may vary. This means that banks and lenders may need to step up in guiding students through the new landscape, helping them plan early to avoid delays. 🌐 For Other Study Destinations With this change, other countries—like the USA, UK, Australia, and Germany see an opportunity. These countries have been actively working to streamline their student visa processes and could appeal to students looking for faster, more predictable timelines. 📅 Advice for Students and Counselors - Plan Ahead: Start preparing applications earlier than before, as processing times may vary. - Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from Canadian immigration authorities. Even small changes can impact your timeline. - Consider Alternatives: While Canada is a fantastic destination, students might explore other countries as well to keep options open. - Lean on Experts: Connect with financial advisors who understand Canada’s visa requirements. They can help navigate financing and timelines more effectively. At ForeignAdmits, we’re here to support students, counselors, and partners as they adjust to these changes. 💬 We’re committed to helping you find the best path forward, whether it’s planning for new timelines or exploring fresh opportunities in different countries. #StudyAbroad #CanadaEducation #StudentVisas #ForeignAdmits

🌍 The Study Abroad Landscape Is Evolving — Are We Ready for What's Next? Over the past year, the global education sector has witnessed a noticeable shift in how students approach international study. No longer is the decision solely driven by prestige or rankings. Instead, students are prioritising ROI, post-study work opportunities, mental well-being support, and destination safety more than ever. 🔍 Here are three trends shaping the study abroad space: 1️⃣ Rise of Non-Traditional Destinations Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and the UAE are attracting more students thanks to favorable visa policies, English-taught programs, and cost-effectiveness. 2️⃣ Shift Toward Skills-Based Programs Programs aligned with emerging job markets—AI, data analytics, sustainability, and healthcare—are gaining traction. 3️⃣ Demand for Hybrid and Flexible Learning Models Students crave options blending in-person and online learning, preferring flexibility post-pandemic. As professionals in this field, we need to be responsive—not just to where students want to go, but why they're making those choices. 📌 The big question: How can we better align our guidance and offerings with these evolving motivations? I'd love to hear from fellow educators, consultants, and university partners: What shifts are you seeing—and how are you adapting? #StudyAbroad #GlobalEducation #EdTech #InternationalStudents #HigherEdTrends #EducationConsulting

BREAKING NEWS: DHS moves to fix foreign student stay limits to 4 years. The Department of Homeland Security's proposed rule, cleared by the White House, would replace the current flexible “duration of status” system with fixed-term F-1 and J-1 visas, capping stays four years before mandatory renewal. 📌 What just happened - Current rules allow foreign students and exchange visitors to stay in the U.S. for the entire length of their academic or program schedule. - The new proposal mandates a hard four-year cap, regardless of program length, after which holders must apply for extensions to remain legal. 📌 Why it matters - Many students, especially in STEM and advanced degrees, take longer than four years to complete their studies. - Switching majors or extending programs due to unforeseen circumstances (like illness or research delays) may become much harder. - This revives an earlier Trump-era proposal dropped by the Biden administration, raising alarms among universities and global talent scouts. After publication in the Federal Register, expect a 30-day (or longer) public comment period; the clock is ticking. This isn't just a rule update from “Duration of Status” to participation limits. It’s a step-change in how academic mobility will be regulated. #students #F1 #visa #immigration #legal #education #studyabroad

International business students are increasingly exploring Asian study destinations over the Traditional Big 4. There are concerns about the political climate and post-graduation work opportunities in the Big 4 due to which students are looking for regional alternatives. Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, & China, along with the Middle East, particularly Dubai, are actively expanding internationalization strategies, easing visa processes, rolling out English-taught programs, and offering scholarships to meritorious and deserving students. There is a growing belief that universities in these regions offer quality education at more affordable costs and better post-study work opportunities. For Indian students, regional proximity also plays a role in the final decision. Overall, I see this benefiting international students as they will have more choice to select their degree program and institution according to their situation. Why the change? - Visa complexity: 94% of surveyed business schools attribute falling demand to stricter visa policies and restrictive post-study work opportunities. - Geopolitical friction and job market uncertainty are also cited as deterrents across major Western markets. What does this mean for the stakeholders? Universities must expand presence in emerging markets (e.g., Southeast Asia), diversify international partnerships, and craft messaging around accessible career pathways. Recruitment teams and advisors should highlight programs in destinations with more favorable visa environments, showcasing practical and flexible benefits to prospective learners. Policymakers must reassess and reinforce global competitiveness by simplifying visa frameworks and reinforcing post-study work viability to attract quality international talent. The "Big Four" is no longer the default. International business students are prioritizing stability, access, and regional opportunity.

Canada’s International Student Diversity is at Risk I’ve closely followed Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s recent call for Canadian institutions to diversify international student recruitment beyond India, as highlighted in his comments to The PIE. While I share the vision for a more diverse student body, I’m deeply concerned—and yes, frustrated—by the consequences of recent policy changes that have significantly undermined this goal. In 2024, Canada issued 394,430 student visas, down from 600,625 in 2023—a 34% decline, according to our latest Data Dive analysis. This drastic reduction, coupled with tightened study permit limits and the removal of spouse work visas, has disproportionately impacted emerging markets like Nigeria, Nepal, Brazil and the Philippines (among many others), where approvals fell by 44%, 56%, 45% and 50%, respectively. All falling more than the global average of 34%. These markets, just beginning to engage with Canada, are now facing a discouraging narrative. Here’s why these changes are hitting hard, especially for emerging markets, and what we must do to turn things around: - Spouse Work Visa Elimination: The decision to eliminate spouse work visas has been the single biggest blow for interest from emerging regions. For families considering Canada, this policy erodes financial stability and long-term planning. - Study Permit Caps Driving Homogeneity: The introduction of study permit limits has forced institutions to prioritize countries with historically high visa approval rates—often India and China—to maximize their PAL quotas. This has the potential to reverse years of diversification efforts. - Negative Commentary’s: The changed policy framework has created a perception of a Canada not being a welcoming destination. This commentary impacts emerging destinations even more than India and China. I have long treated diversity as a cornerstone of success—not just morally, but as a strategic business imperative. Canadian higher education institutions don’t need lectures on why diversity matters in our classrooms; we live it every day. Diverse student bodies drive innovation, enrich cultural exchange, and strengthen our global reputation. To rebuild and sustain diversity, we must act decisively: - Fix the System First: Address systemic processing issues - Double Down on Diverse Recruitment: It isn't easy but institutions that invest in this time of uncertainty will reap benefits in the long term. - Reassess Policy Impacts: Unlikely to happen, but we should revisit policies like the spouse work visa removal Student Direct #StudyinCanada #InternationalEducation #IRCC

The landscape of international student placements has evolved significantly. This survey highlights key trends among counsellors placing students in various educational destinations. (INTO Global Agent Survey 2024) Understanding these trends is crucial for universities and colleges aiming to attract international students in an increasingly competitive market. The high percentage of counsellors recruiting students to multiple destinations indicates a trend towards generalism. This broad approach reflects an effort to meet diverse student preferences and demands. Institutions need to recognize the trend of generalist counsellors and adapt their strategies to appeal to a wider audience. The global and highly competitive landscape demands that universities and colleges differentiate themselves clearly. This can be achieved through  - Targeted marketing,  - Highlighting unique programs, and  - Demonstrating strong student outcomes. Why this shift towards counsellors adopting generalism? Students today have a wider range of preferences and are open to exploring multiple destinations for their education. This demand drives counsellors to adopt a generalist approach to cater to various needs. Students benefit from having more options and better guidance on various destinations, leading to more informed decision-making. The ability of educational institutions to adapt to the evolving trends in student placements and to clearly communicate their distinct advantages will be crucial in standing out and succeeding in the global education market. #CareerMosaic #StudentRecruitment #InternationalEducation #HigherEd

🇨🇦 Study-permit approvals from India plunged 31% in Q1 2025... and the chill won’t thaw soon. Between January and March 2025, just 30,640 Indian students received #study permits for Canada. Last year? 44,295 in the same time frame. That’s a drop of nearly one-third. It’s not just India. Globally, study permits issued in Q1 fell from 121,070 in 2024 to 96,015 this year. This sharp decline isn’t random: it’s the result of a perfect storm of policy shifts: 🔹 Financial proof requirement doubled: from CA$10,000 to CA$20,635 as of January 1, 2024. 🔹 New letter-of-acceptance verification system: colleges now must validate each student’s LOA directly with #IRCC. 🔹 A national cap of 437,000 permits in 2025, down from last year, with the same target locked in for 2026. 🔹 Longer-term restriction plan: #Canada will limit temporary residents (including students + workers) to no more than 5% of the total population by 2027. What this means on the ground: 🌶️ Students need airtight proof of liquid funds. - Graduate-level programs hold stronger weight than diplomas. - Timing is everything. New steps = longer processing. - Alternative countries and pathways are suddenly in. - Canadian institutions face new pressures to be compliant, competitive, and credible. 🌶️ Strategic applications, stronger documentation, and long-range planning? More essential than ever for 🇨🇦.

Big Immigration news: The DHS just proposed a massive change to how F-1 and J-1 visas work. Currently, students have "Duration of Status" (D/S) on their I-94 forms. This means they can stay as long as they maintain their student status and comply with visa terms. The new proposal would cap this at 4 years maximum. After 4 years, students would need to apply for extensions to continue their studies. Here's what this means practically: PhD students typically take 5-7 years to complete their degrees. They'd now face mandatory extension applications mid-program. Medical students and residents could be disrupted during critical training phases. Students who need extra time due to research delays, illness, or other legitimate reasons would face additional bureaucratic hurdles. DHS estimates 205,000 extension requests annually from F-1 holders alone, creating a massive administrative burden. The rationale? DHS cites oversight challenges and potential for fraud and abuse. The proposal identified 2,100 student visa holders who entered the US between 2000 and 2010 who remain on F-1 status. But here's the thing - international students are already the most monitored nonimmigrant population through the SEVIS database. This proposal was tried in 2020, received 32,000+ public comments (mostly negative), and was withdrawn by the previous administration. Now its back. The 30-day comment period starts August 28th when published in the Federal Register. The rule isn't final yet, but the impact could reshape how international education works in the US. By shortening visa validity, DHS’s proposal could disrupt the flow of international talent into U.S. graduate programs, OPT, and eventually H-1B/green card pathways. Employers may face reduced access to skilled workers who traditionally transition from F-1 to long-term employment-based status. p.s. - If you're exploring Visa/Greencards like the O-1, H-1B, EB-1, or EB-2 NIW, we help navigate these pathways at Alma. Feel free to get in touch!