The National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) recently conducted a survey on the effects of a Trump administration regulation that would end the H-1B lottery on international students. The survey found that prioritizing experienced workers for the granting of H-1B visas would disproportionately disadvantage new graduates. While the rule has been formulated during the Trump administration, observers believe the Biden administration will favor its implementation, which many project will exacerbate the already sharp decline in international student enrolment at higher education institutions in the US.

The Canadian government has underscored the fact that provinces have jurisdiction over who can travel to the provinces. While there have been controversies in the imposition and easing up of border controls among the states and provinces of Canada, Kelly Ouimet, spokesperson for Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, emphasized that the federal government is always ready to help and work collaboratively on the local level to fight COVID-19. Meanwhile, flights coming from India and Pakistan have been banned starting last month to stem the influx of planes with infected passengers.

The Turing scheme, named after the mathematician and father of computer science Alan Turing, is considered more inclusive than the Erasmus. Through this scheme, students from all over the United Kingdom will get the chance to study anywhere in the world, while learners from different parts of the globe can also study in the UK. Additionally, UK universities will waive fees under the Turing scheme and overseas universities are also expected to waive theirs for UK exchange students. This new scheme is seen to cement deeper ties with other nations.

Dutch universities expect more students to sign up for a bachelor’s degree in the coming academic year and a large part of this is because of the influx of international students. VNSU chairman Pieter Duisenberg said that their initial prognoses suggest that there will be a 5% rise in the number of students registering for university, which was nearly 13% in the past year. He also added that the anticipated rise for this year’s student registrations will increase financial pressure on universities. This may prompt the next government to ensure a structural increase in basic financing.

The federal government has reported that overall international student enrolments in Australian universities have dropped by 43,000 students compared to 2020. The biggest decline was from India, where enrollments dropped by 52%. Despite offering discounted fees, only 7% of prospective students are willing to take their courses online. This “pipeline problem” has been anticipated by universities and the resulting downward trend in new international students coming in is likely to continue.

More international students in New Zealand may be allowed in the country as soon as managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) space is freed up. This is due to fewer New Zealanders coming home, allowing for more slots for students and critical workers. The developing situation will allow 400 international students into the country by June 2021. MIQ space and border exceptions will also extend to skilled workers, refugees, and other essential travelers to help bolster the economy.

International students attending some California-based higher education institutions are now faced with the new requirement to get COVID-19 vaccinations before being allowed to come back to campus this fall. While some colleges will accept students vaccinated with any brand or type, most of the institutions are not clear about their guidelines regarding the acceptability of vaccines that have not been approved in the US. The Centers for Disease Control suggests revaccinating students despite no studies on its efficacy or risks.

Migrant workers and international students clamor “Status for all now” as 45% of migrant workers and 35% of international graduates found out that they are not eligible for the new immigration program targeting essential temporary workers and recent international graduates. Almost 50% of foreign students said they do not have the language test results to push their application forward. Moreover, the cost of the application, completing language schooling and tests, and other necessary paperwork have been found prohibitive for some.

Indian students are seen to be the major beneficiaries of Canada's new one-time immigration program. Under the latest initiative, over 90,000 international students and temporary essential workers already in Canada will be given permanent residence (PR). Particularly, 40,000 international students, 30,000 temporary workers in selected essential occupations, and 20,000 temporary workers in health care will get permanent residence. To be eligible, international students must have completed a post-secondary program in Canada in the last four years.

Some US-based Indian students and alumni have organized a fund-raiser to help their countrymen suffering from the unimaginable second wave of COVID-19. Their small initiative led to the formation of Students Fight COVID which aims to make it easy for professionals based outside India to donate by sharing links and campaigns that accept foreign funds. In their scheme, they have members of over 200 Ivy League students and professionals offering free consultation sessions to students vying to enter Ivy League schools in the United States. In exchange for the free one-to-one counseling, participants are required to donate to any charity that is fighting COVID-19 in India.

Appointments for student visas to study in the United States are in steady numbers in China as the US government announced last month that it was easing COVID-19 restrictions on international students. Based on the latest guidance, international students who have a valid F-1 visa and plan to enter the US on or after August 1 this year will not be subject to US travel restrictions. Current records also reveal that the vast majority of students applying to study in the US are first-timers.

The coronavirus pandemic forced many college students to adapt to a new normal. For one thing, they were forced to leave their campuses and take classes remotely. While these changes played an important role in limiting the transmission of the virus, many Latino students struggled to keep up during the lockdowns. Back in their home countries, many Latino students enrolled in US schools have struggled with slow internet connections and staying in non-conducive spaces for learning. The financial challenges faced by their families due to the pandemic have also created turmoil in their remote studies.

Located in downtown Vancouver, Canadian College is a public higher education institution that offers top-of-the-line facilities, including tech-oriented classrooms designed to facilitate student-centric learning with smart devices. The college offers study and work opportunities in Canada through degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs in business, hospitality, international trade, project management, IT, and social media, all assisted by a variety of academic partners and Vancouver employers. Some programs include dual credential opportunities, allowing students to earn diplomas and certifications from St. Lawrence College. Classes are currently held remotely via Zoom, but students are assured the same quality of learning outcomes as in-person classes.