The US Chambers of Commerce is urging the Biden administration to double the quota for the non-immigrant H-1B visa. This will allow companies in the US to employ foreign workers, including international student graduates, in specialty occupations. The campaign is aimed at offsetting the labor shortage in high-demand sectors and providing foreign student graduates a pathway to employment-based permanent residence status.

While non-essential international and US travel restrictions remain until July 21, some exceptions exist for international students. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also underscored that the pandemic is not yet over and reiterated the vaccine inoculation targets of 75 percent for first doses and 20 percent for fully vaccinated members of the population before further easing up restrictions. To date, inbound air travelers are required to quarantine for three nights in government-authorized hotels.

Many international students are calling for a visa extension in the hopes of fulfilling a vital part of their study in Ireland, which is to work in graduate-level employment. The Third Level Graduate Programme allows international students to stay in the country post studies in order to pursue graduate-level employment. When the pandemic pushed fewer companies who are hiring, foreign students settled for unpaid jobs, frontline service workers, and roles they are overqualified for.

Regulatory enforcer Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has authorized higher education institutions (HEIs) in New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to work together for the return of international students. The move will extend NSW’s pilot plan to bring 250 foreign students back to Sydney every two weeks. Under the terms of the authorization, HEIs can allocate spots to international students based on their 2019 enrolment, but still subject to the government’s cap.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) in New Zealand have an issue with the lack of available managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) spaces and slow visa approval in the country. After around six months, only 135 of the 1,000 students eligible to come back into the country have managed to do so. With semester 2 fast approaching, students are running out of time. To complete the required MIQ period, they need to be in the country by July 4.

The announcement of the US Embassy in India about opening visa interview slots caused a massive influx to its portal, overloading the system. This resulted in some students being locked out of their accounts. Frustrated students blamed the embassy for not anticipating the volume of applications. Many students are rushing to get their documents together in time for the Fall semester.  

The Canadian government announced that international students who have valid visas can still travel inbound despite an extended border closure. Air travel coming from India has remained closed since April 30. Although the processing of study permits for fall 2021 has been halted, those who have submitted applications by May 15 may still receive approvals or otherwise by August 6th.

According to a new survey report, 62 percent of students from Telangana, India are keen on studying abroad. The survey also revealed that some students who wanted to study overseas in 2020 but could not go due to travel restrictions and financial instability have deferred their plans for 2021. Moreover, the report stated that the US, the UK, and Canada were the most preferred study destinations, with over 90 percent of students going to these three countries.

A new study showed a 25 percent increase in Moroccan students studying in US higher education institutions. The report stated that 1,499 Moroccan students studied in the US during the 2019-2020 school year as compared to 1,201 Moroccan students who studied in the US a decade ago. More Moroccans head to the US due to the possibility of staying in the country after completing studies through the Optional Practical Training which allows them to gain work experiences related to their field of study.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently announced the easing of travel restrictions for India, allowing students to pursue their tertiary education in the country beginning June 23. Students who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, have fulfilled the required travel protocols, and have met specific conditions will be allowed to enroll in Dubai universities. Indian students looking to study in the UAE will be required to have received a UAE-approved COVID-19 vaccine, a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel, and a second PCR test upon arrival in the country.

According to the latest Five-Year National Development Plan of Iran, Iranian universities are projected to attract about 75,000 foreign students. The universities can admit up to 90,000 foreign students, however, it requires the creation of the appropriate educational infrastructure. Currently, foreign nationals constitute 1.64 percent of the country's student population. Fifty-seven percent of international students are studying for a master's degree, 27 percent for a bachelor's degree, and 15 percent are studying to receive a Ph.D. 

With in-person classes returning amid the pandemic, the government of the United States organized last June 10 a pre-departure orientation seminar for Filipino foreign students who are bound for US universities. The event discussed education amid a global health crisis, classroom culture, campus life, and remote learning, among other topics. A total of more than P57 million or about $1.2 million of financial aid has been awarded to global learners from the Philippines.

Located in British Columbia, Canada, Coast Mountain College (CMTN) is highly regarded for its innovative and affordable programs that empower students to lead sustainable careers in various industries. It has nine campuses within British Columbia and serves 34 different communities. CMTN focuses on personalized education practices and experiential, place-based programs that allow students to learn both in the classroom and in the spectacular outdoor spaces that are unique to the region. The college offers health and human services programs, online programs, university credit programs, trades foundation, and apprenticeship programs. With affordable tuition rates, CMTN is committed to helping students make the most out of practical and hands-on learning while enjoying opportunities to explore Canada’s breathtaking landscapes.