In a move aimed at attracting top talent and retaining skilled workers, the Biden-Harris administration has announced actions to speed up visa processing for college graduates with job offers. This initiative eases employment-based non-immigrant visas for US college graduates and is expected to boost the popularity of the US as a study destination.
Alan Goodman, CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), notes that the US needs more international graduates due to an aging society, falling birthrate, and lack of citizens pursuing STEM and healthcare degrees. The US Department of State has streamlined the process, resulting in faster work visa issuance.
However, Goodman highlights that the H1B visa is not being issued in large enough numbers, with only 24% of applications selected for petitions in the 2024 fiscal year. Experts warn that the reality is complex, with small technical details and policy revisions difficult to understand.
The move comes as Canada and Australia implement caps on international students, while the UK’s new government confirms its commitment to welcoming international students despite ongoing recruitment impacts from the previous government’s dependents ban. Experts predict the US will become a more attractive destination, with Anna Esaki-Smith noting indications of a more accommodating approach from the current administration. However, she cautions against predicting election outcomes and policy, citing Donald Trump’s quickly walked-back proposal to give green cards to international graduates.
