International Student Guidance

On July 17th, a major rule was published impacting F-1 students. Here are the most asked questions - and answers 👇 Since the Trump administration published the rule on F-1 Duration of Status, a lot of you sent me questions. So I sat down with immigration attorney Henry Lindpere to answer the most asked ones. ✅ Can I still travel on OPT or STEM OPT after September 15th? Yes. But when you re-enter, your I-94 will show a fixed end date instead of D/S. Make sure to take your visa stamp, EAD, I-20, pay stubs, and an employer verification letter to be extra safe. ✅ Do I need to file an I-539 right now? No. Not right now. The next time you'll need to file is when your program ends, or when you apply for OPT or STEM OPT. Here's the key date: March 18th, 2027. If you file for OPT or STEM OPT before March 18th, 2027, you only need the I-765 - same process as before. After March 18th, you'll need to bundle the I-765 with an I-539, which means an additional filing fee. ✅ If I'm already in the US on STEM OPT and don't travel, does this rule affect me? Yes. Not traveling only helps you in one specific situation: if you still have D/S on your I-94 and you file for OPT or STEM OPT before March 18th, 2027, you may be able to skip the I-539 for that filing only. But once your STEM OPT ends, you'll need to file something regardless. And if you travel and re-enter after September 15th, you lose D/S on your I-94 entirely - and will need to bundle an I-539 even if you file before March 18th. ✅ My STEM OPT expires in 2027 and I didn't get H-1B. Can I do a second master's or does it have to be a PhD? Henry said, “It’ll most likely have to be a PhD or higher level program.” His advice: Proceed with the assumption that a second master's won't be available. By the time your STEM OPT expires in 2027, there will be more clarity on how the rule is being applied in practice. But you want to be ready. ✅ Grace period: is it 60 days or 30 days now? The grace period is the window after your program or OPT ends to either leave or file for a new status. It is separate from your OPT unemployment days - those didn’t change. If you are in the US before September 15th and don't leave - old 60-day grace period applies. If you enter or get a change of status after September 15th - new 30-day grace period applies. But Henry’s advice was: even if you have 60 days - do not wait. The moment your status ends, file an I-539 for B-2 immediately just to have something pending. If you find work within the grace period, withdraw it. But have something filed as fast as possible. Hope that helped! 🙏 Reshare this with a friend who’s also a student in America - and follow for me for more such breakdowns. LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This is general information only, not legal advice. Please always talk to a licensed attorney for legal advice. You can visit internationalstudent.us to find a directory 🙏

𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 “𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦” 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬?🎓 For decades, the U.S. has been the ultimate higher-education destination for ambitious Indian students. But recent data points to a sharp shift. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, Indian student intake in August 2025 stood at 41,540 arrivals, a 44% decline compared to the same month last year. The drop is not isolated. F-1 visa arrivals overall fell nearly 30% in July, including a 50% decline among Indian students and 26% among Chinese students, the two largest international groups in U.S. universities. Why this Decline? 📌 Policy caps on international admissions Reports suggest a new U.S. government directive asking universities to limit total international enrolment to 15%, with no more than 5% from a single country. Such limits disproportionately affect Indian students, who form one of the largest cohorts. 📌Uncertainty in the tech industry Most students go to the U.S. to study Computer Science, but with the tech industry struggling with layoffs and a general downturn, an expensive CS education might seem less attractive. 📌Immigration policy headwinds The new H-1B visa restrictions announced recently have introduced fresh uncertainty. For many, the value of a U.S. degree is tied directly to post-study work opportunities and when that pathway narrows, so does interest. A Shifting Global Landscape🌍 The implications go beyond student choices.... U.S. universities risk losing billions in tuition revenue, as international students often subsidize research and academic programs. Public funding shortfalls may further strain institutions already under pressure. Competing destinations Europe, Canada, and Australia stand to gain, offering more predictable education-to-employment pipelines and clearer visa pathways. India, along with China and South Korea, has long been among the top three contributors to international enrolments in the U.S. If this downward trend continues, it could reshape global student mobility in the years ahead. 💭 The Big Question Will America’s academic prestige and research ecosystem continue to outweigh these challenges or are we witnessing a real shift in where global talent chooses to build its future? Linkedin News

When Komal Ahuja and I recently had an incredible conversation about our journeys as international master’s students, a common takeaway was around how there were so many things about landing a job we blindly believed but turned out to be quite different. 🙈 👀 Securing a job after completing your master's degree abroad is a significant milestone. 🏆 However, what most people don’t tell you about landing a job post your master’s abroad is: 😅A high reputation/rank of your university does not mean it’s going to be very easy for you to land a job. It can open better opportunity doors, but employers are increasingly valuing skills, experience, and cultural fit over just the name on your diploma. 😅Timing really matters when applying for different kinds of jobs — grad programmes, direct roles, internships, etc. For example, bulk applying to hundreds of grad roles over the year that are mostly hiring undergrads or applying to direct roles that are looking to hire asap when you have more than 3 months to graduate will just waste your time and, in many cases, get your profile blacklisted from the company ATS. 😅Not landing a sponsored job right after your master’s isn’t the end of the world. In fact, with a self-sponsored grad visa, it’s much easier to explore and switch jobs if you aren’t 100% sure about the company, role, industry, etc., if needed (basically until you find the right fit). Plus, if a company has the licence, they’d be more willing to sponsor you after you’ve worked with them for some time. Check out Komal Ahuja's latest post on the same topic for the next three lesser-known truths! 🚀 In the comments, share with everybody — how did you adapt your job search strategy to maximise your opportunities abroad? #workabroad #internationalstudent #studyabroad #deepalikothari

Things I wish someone told me about jobs in Canada (especially as a student or newcomer) No one really prepares you for how emotionally exhausting job hunting here can feel when you’re on a study permit, PGWP, or early in your career. You do everything you’re “supposed” to do. You apply consistently. You optimize your resume. You network. You post on LinkedIn. And still… silence. Here are a few truths I wish I understood sooner: 1. Your work status plays a bigger role than people admit Even when employers like your profile, uncertainty around work authorization can create hesitation. It’s not always a reflection of your ability. It’s about risk and long-term clarity. 2. Online applications alone won’t cut it In Canada, a large percentage of roles are filled through referrals or internal networks before they’re widely advertised. Visibility, conversations, and relationships matter just as much (if not more) than applications. 3. You don’t need to be “100% ready” to start Most learning happens on the job. Even certifications if you are losing any, can be got on the job. What employers here really value is communication, adaptability, and willingness to learn not perfection. 4. Canadian resumes are about relevance and impact , not decoration Clear structure. Simple language. Results over responsibilities. Quantify your impact as much as possible so they can see how it woupd look for them too. Local context almost always beats a flashy design. 5. Interviews test how you think, not what you memorized They’re listening to how you problem-solve, reflect, and communicate especially when you don’t know everything. 6. Be clear about your work rights If you’re eligible for a PGWP, close to graduating, or open to full-time roles, say it clearly. Clarity reduces friction. So, If you’re feeling behind, you’re not. You’re learning a system that was never explained to you. And once you understand the system, you can play it differently. 💬 Comment one thing you wish you knew earlier 📌 Save this if you’re building your career in Canada

If you're an international student who just graduated, this post is for you. I came to the US on an academic and athletic scholarship at 18. I’ve been on an F-1 visa, done the whole STEM OPT thing, and built my career from scratch here. No family, no connections, no favors. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You can’t afford to move like everyone else. Most students start figuring things out after graduation. For international students, that’s already too late... So here’s what I’d be doing right now if I were you: 1. Get clear on the companies that will even consider you. Use tools like MyVisaJobs or H1BGrader. Cross-reference with LinkedIn filters (E-Verify, visa sponsorship) and stop wasting time on dead ends. 2. Make your LinkedIn undeniable. Your profile should do three things: → Tell your story → Prove your skills → Make someone want to message you If it doesn’t, fix it. 3. Treat DMs like applications. I've never seen someone get hired because of a "Hi, can you refer me?" message. I have seen it happen after thoughtful, well-timed outreach rooted in value. 4. Document, don’t perform. Show the work. Post the project. Share the lesson you just learned. Visibility > perfection. 5. Track everything. Build reliable systems. If you’re serious, treat your job search like a job. Know your timelines. Know your next step. The most dangerous place to be on OPT is passive. It’s tough. I know. I’ve lived it. But the ones who win are the ones who move different. #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #OPT #STEMOPT #CareerAdvice #DataScienceCareers #LinkedInTips #EarlyCareer #VisaSponsorship #WorkInTheUS #H1B #Graduation2025 #LinkedInNews

International Students Are Not Just ‘Temporary Workers Let’s get one thing straight: International students are not just here to fill labor gaps. They’re future innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders—but only if Canada gives them the opportunity to thrive. Too often, international students are treated as temporary fixes for: ❌ Low-wage jobs. ❌ Seasonal labor shortages. ❌ Work that undervalues their education and skills. This short-term mindset not only wastes their potential but also denies Canada the chance to retain top global talent. Why International Students Deserve More 1️⃣ They’re Investing in Canada: Every international student pours tens of thousands of dollars into the economy through tuition, rent, and spending. 2️⃣ They’re Highly Educated: Many graduate from top Canadian institutions, yet their degrees are often overlooked by employers. 3️⃣ They’re Ready to Lead: With the right opportunities, international students can drive innovation and growth in Canada’s key industries. Here’s how we can shift the narrative: 1️⃣ Stop Labeling Them as Temporary: Create pathways that recognize their long-term potential as professionals and residents. 2️⃣ Value Their Education: Employers must prioritize hiring international students for roles that match their qualifications. 3️⃣ Invest in Their Future: Universities, employers, and policymakers must work together to support their transition into the workforce. International students are not a stopgap solution—they’re the foundation of Canada’s future. Let’s stop treating them as disposable labor and start building pathways for their success. What’s Your Take? How can we better support international students to thrive in Canada? Let’s discuss below. 🔄 If you agree, share or repost this to spread awareness. Follow Samichi Saluja for more bold takes on empowering international students.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 30 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 3 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. For students starting their journey overseas, those first few weeks are more than a settling-in period — they’re a foundation for academic success, mental well-being, and lifelong independence. And for parents? They’re often just as anxious — hoping their child feels safe, supported, and confident from day one. Here’s a guide to help students (and their families) prepare with purpose: 🎒 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤: Think smart, not heavy. Key documents (visa, ID, health records), tech essentials, prescriptions, and a few comfort items from home. Clothes? Keep it basic — students often adjust after seeing local styles. 🗂️ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫: Start with a local SIM card and open a bank account. Then move quickly on student registration, insurance, and residence permits. These steps unlock access to everything from public transport to emergency care. 📲 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝: Must-haves include: – Local transit and navigation apps – University portals – WhatsApp (for international messaging) – Budgeting tools like Revolut or Splitwise – Mental health or support apps offered by the school 🚫 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝: Staying in a comfort bubble. It’s natural to stick with students from the same background — but branching out early builds confidence, language skills, and friendships that last. 🎓 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: – Attend every welcome event, even the awkward ones – Keep a simple daily routine for stability – Learn a few local phrases before you land – It’s okay to miss home — just don’t isolate For students: Be proactive. For parents: Be patient and encouraging. The first 30 days won’t be perfect — but they can be powerful. 💬 If you’ve studied or sent a child abroad, what’s one tip you’d share with someone about to start? #StudyAbroad #InternationalStudents #StudentLife #ParentSupport #First30Days #GlobalEducation #UniversityBound

BIG Immigration News: DHS just finalized a rule that ends "duration of status" for international students. If you're on an F-1 or J-1, this changes how long you can stay and what it takes to extend. For years, most international students could stay in the U.S. as long as they maintained status, with no fixed expiration date. Starting mid-September, 2026, every F, J, and I nonimmigrant gets a fixed "admit-until" date on their Form I-94. F and J visas are capped at 4 years, language students at 24 months, and media visas at 240 days. Here's what you need to know: 1/ Renewing your status now means a full USCIS filing. What was previously a SEVIS update handled by your DSO will require a formal I-539 filing, along with a compelling reason like a documented academic delay or medical issue. Academic probation will not count. 2/ An overstay triggers unlawful presence immediately. If you miss your fixed I-94 date without a timely pending extension, the clock starts the next day, without any formal finding from USCIS. 3/ The old bridge strategies will no longer work. F-1 students can't change to a program at the same or lower level, which ends the "Day-1 CPT" move people used after missing the H-1B lottery. Graduate students can't change majors or transfer schools mid-program except in rare SEVP-authorized cases. 4/ Work authorization and permission to stay are now two separate filings. Applying for OPT or STEM OPT does not extend your time in the country, so if your I-94 is expiring, you file both the I-765 for work and the I-539 to extend. One exception: from mid-September 2026 to mid-March, 2027, a timely I-765 protects your stay on its own. 5/ The grace period drops from 60 days to 30. If an extension gets denied, there is no grace period at all, and you and your dependents must depart immediately. What to do now: If you're a founder on an F-1 or STEM OPT, map your I-94 date against your OPT timeline today. Don't assume they extend together anymore. If you're hiring international talent, ask candidates where they sit on this timeline before you build a role around them. A 30-day grace period leaves little room to transfer an H-1B or file an O-1. And if your long-term plan leans heavily on staying in student status, this is the moment to look at paths that stand on their own, like the O-1, EB-1, or EB-2 NIW. We're tracking this closely and will share updates as the rule moves forward.

Australia Student Visa Trends in 2025 The international student landscape has shifted as the Australian Government prioritised "managed growth" through new enrolment caps and stricter visa processing under Ministerial Direction 107 (and the subsequent MD 111). Visa & Enrolment Stats Total Student Visa Holders: As of late 2025, there were approximately 709,437 subclass 500 visa holders in Australia. This is a slight increase from ~701,000 at the end of 2024, showing that, despite tougher rules, the "stock" of students remains high. Total Students (YTD Oct 2025): 833,041 international students studied in Australia during this period, a negligible decline (0.3%) from 2024. New Commencements: New starts plummeted by 15% (190,799 students) compared to the same period in 2024, directly reflecting the new caps. Top Source Countries (2025 YTD) Five countries continue to dominate the market, accounting for 57% of all international students: -> China 23% Remains the #1 source; high visa grant rates (~92%). -> India 17% Facing stricter scrutiny; applications down significantly. -> Nepal 8% Stable growth; high concentration in VET sectors. -> Vietnam 4% Emerging as a key growth market with ~83% grant rates. -> Philippines 4% Significant growth in the VET and healthcare sectors. Sector-Specific Performance The 2025 policy framework has reshaped the sector, creating clear preferential treatment across education sectors: - Higher Education: Grew by 10%, as government policy explicitly favored universities over private colleges. - ELICOS (English Language): Experienced a massive 37% decline. Increased visa fees ($2,000 as of July 1, 2025) and stricter English requirements hit this sector hardest. - VET (Vocational): Faced significant declines in grant rates (some as low as 60% for specific South Asian markets) due to "integrity" audits. Policy Impacts Visa Success Rates: The overall offshore success rate averaged at 85%, but this varied wildly by country and provider risk level. Migration Strategy: Net overseas migration fell to ~306,000, down from the post-pandemic peak of 429,000, as the government has tightened student visa settings to ensure study visas are granted for genuine study, not as a default stepping stone to migration. Cost of Entry: Australia now has some of the highest student visa application charges globally. Note on Data: Student visa figures differentiate between "Student Visa Holders" (people physically in Australia) and "Enrolments" (the number of courses being taken). One student may have multiple enrolments if they are doing a "package" (e.g., ELICOS + Bachelor's). #InternationalEducation #StudentVisas #MigrationPolicy #AustralianEducation #Educli

We are observing a significant shift in international student preferences. The traditional dominance of the 'Big Four'—the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia—is waning, with students increasingly turning to alternative destinations. Between January and March 2025, Canadian institutions experienced a 31% drop in postgraduate enrolments, while the US and Australia saw declines of 13% each. Conversely, the UK reported an 18% increase, rebounding from previous policy-induced declines. The primary drivers of this shift are restrictive government policies and visa challenges. A significant majority of institutions in Canada (93%), Australia (86%), and the US (70%) identified these issues as major deterrents for prospective students. In contrast, only 6% of Asian institutions reported similar concerns, highlighting a more welcoming environment in emerging destinations. Students are more aware, mature, and connected with their seniors and peers. They are not only assessing post study work opportunities, affordability, and housing at their choice of study destination. But, they are also weighing the political stability and policy changes for the short-term and long-term. Study destinations must continually assess and adapt their policies & streamline visa processes to remain competitive. Institutions must prioritize transparency and promote inclusive environments to attract and retain international talent.