Category Archives: Latest News

USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is all set to announce new rules for H1B visas in a move aimed to combat fraud and enhance national security. The new rules will set the extension fee for an H1B visa at $ 4000, as suggested by the Department of Homeland Security, severely impacting employers and professionals. The authorities are set to implement changes to the cost of L-1 visa extensions too. This visa allows companies to bring managers and executives from their foreign offices to the US. The proposed regulation would require a $4,500 fee for extending an L-1 visa.

 

Indian professionals will be the demographic most severely impacted by the new rules given the high numbers of Indian IT professionals who are already on this visa. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa permitting U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign professionals for specialized roles while the L1 is a temporary non-immigrant visa that enables international companies with branches in the US and abroad to transfer specific qualified employees to their US office.

However, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the new fees will not apply to L-1 or H-1B visa extensions until a final decision is made.

The H1B extension fee hike will have immediate effects on both employers and employees, increasing the financial burden on companies and potentially discouraging them from retaining valuable foreign talent. In the long term, this change could lead to a shift in the global workforce dynamic, as companies may seek to relocate operations or hire talent in other countries with more favourable immigration policies. The increased costs could also impact the overall competitiveness of the U.S. in the global market, potentially slowing innovation and economic growth. As businesses and workers navigate this new landscape, it will be crucial to monitor and adapt to the evolving immigration policies and their broader implications.

The new IRCC Survey for Provincial and Territorial Governments and Marc Miller’s statements point to imminent changes in the PGWP in Canada!  

A new survey by IRCC for all provincial and territorial governments has hinted at the realignment of the postgraduate work permit with labour needs in the country. The survey document outlines that the aim of the upcoming reforms is to “Adjust PGWP eligibility to match labour market demands, decrease the total number of PGWP holders, and enhance the chances that international students achieve labour market results that correspond with their education and skills.”

IRCC’s survey consists of 8 questions and each of these questions is a window into IRCC’s thinking about the future of the Postgraduate Work Permit. The following are the questions:

1. “If PGWP eligibility were limited exclusively to occupations facing shortages and their relevant study programs, which specific occupations should be included according to the needs in your region?”
2. Which, if any, groups should be excluded from these changes, such as francophone students, graduate degree programs, or others? Please provide the reasoning behind your choices.
3. Should international students show evidence of a job offer corresponding to the occupational shortage list to retain a PGWP for more than one year?
4. Should additional eligibility criteria (such as language proficiency, provincial support, etc.), besides having a job offer, be applied to PGWP holders who wish to extend their permit beyond one year?
5. What is your opinion on implementing these labor market-based changes to PGWP eligibility for all graduates immediately upon announcement this year, instead of exempting students who are already studying in Canada at the time of implementation?
6. How frequently should the occupational shortage list be updated, and when should these updates be applied to students who are already in the midst of their studies?
7. Do the proposed changes to the PGWP align with the type of candidates you wish to retain as long-term workers in your jurisdictions?
8. Is your Provincial Nominee Program capable of providing a viable pathway to permanent residence for international graduates who have job offers in these critical sectors?

 

The survey has garnered significant attention from international educators and stakeholders, both within Canada and internationally. Question #5, in particular, has sparked intense discussions among colleagues as the survey circulated. This question implies that changes to the PGWP could be implemented immediately, affecting students who are currently enrolled or about to graduate from their programs in Canada.

There are clear signs that the policy measures recently implemented by the Canadian government, especially the enrollment cap, are significantly reducing application volumes and enrollments this year. This situation demands exceptional caution moving forward, as any additional policy changes could jeopardize one of the country’s leading export sectors and potentially place the industry in a position from which recovery could take years.

International students are applying to more colleges and universities. Students who want to study overseas are also applying to more countries than ever before, with new non-traditional destinations emerging and a greater emphasis on more affordable options, a new INTO survey has found.  There has been substantial growth in applications for Germany and Ireland.

The report, published by INTO student recruitment company on May 27, “signals a major shift in student behaviour and the emergence of new study-abroad destinations,” said Tom Hands, INTO chief recruitment officer for university partnerships. He added, “The competition for universities in top study-abroad markets to attract overseas talent has become even tougher.”

The INTO survey conducted in March 2024, surveyed 1,240 agents from 66 countries and concluded that there was intense competition for recruiting international students with 87% of agents reporting an increase in the number of universities and colleges that students applied to in the past year.

With the new student cap in place in Canada, the new ‘genuine student’ requirement in Australia and further restrictions in the UK agents are increasingly recommending new destinations.

In the survey, 11% of agents said that they had submitted applications to 100+ universities last year. The survey also warned that this would increase the pressure on agents to become adept at applying form admissions and visas to more countries than ever before.

The survey also noted that affordability was playing an increased role is destination choices and the burden of financing higher education in the traditional destinations was now assuming more importance than anytime in the past. The survey also showed that the attractiveness of the USA, UK, Australia and Canada had diminished while new European and Asian study destinations were garnering more attention from both students and agents. Germany and Ireland are the two ‘new’ destinations that have seen the most growth in the last year.

Agents across Asia noted that students are increasingly choosing a destination closer to home.

Besides affordability, career opportunities are increasingly important for international students, with 87% of surveyed agents identifying it as a key factor, an increase of 5% from the previous year.

A comprehensive “whole-of-government” strategy at the federal and provincial levels is being advocated by key stakeholder groups to guide decisions about the sector’s goals, targets, and priorities. They are also calling for a multi-sectoral forum to establish a stable, “no surprises” planning and policy environment for international education.

This interaction comes after the limits on the numbers of international students entering Canada were introduced. This cap was criticized by many stakeholders for being implemented without consulting the sector. The proposed actions were among many important issues discussed during a two-day National Dialogue session organized by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).

Over 225 participants from Canada’s international education community attended the session, including senior officials from federal and provincial ministries, leaders from educational institutions, business associations, community service providers, researchers, student associations, national and regional educational associations, and a representative group of international students.

“In convening this event, CBIE was acutely aware of the urgency to provide an inclusive forum in which key international education stakeholders could share insights and work towards consensus on how the sector can and should evolve,” said Larissa Bezo, president and CEO, CBIE. “The frank, open and constructive discussion that took place was long overdue,” she told The PIE News.

“The key takeaway is that we as a sector need to establish an ongoing mechanism or focal point to sustain this type of multi-stakeholder dialogue in order to advance a more responsible and sustainable Canadian international education sector for the long-term. CBIE looks forward to sharing the key recommendations that emerged from the National Dialogue’s multi-stakeholder discussions with federal and provincial governments, event participants and key stakeholders in the coming weeks,” added Bezo.

“There is much work to be done and we all have a role to play in creating a supportive and welcoming environment for international students in ways which uphold the integrity of the EduCanada brand and secure Canada’s long-term position as an ethical leader and top destination for global talent.”

As part of the dialogue, Bezo had a fireside chat with immigration minister Marc Miller, where he outlined his vision for the International Student Program and confirmed that caps on international enrolments would remain.

Stakeholders also emphasized the need for a pan-Canadian framework for ethical international education practices applicable to designated learning institutions. They argue this framework should include clear accountability for delivering results and become an “integral part of the EduCanada brand.”

Canada’s labour shortages were a prominent topic throughout the event, and the sector is now advocating for “more systematic processes to link enrolment decisions to short and longer-term labour market and demographic needs at the community level,” according to a CBIE statement.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering changes to the UK’s Graduate Route visa, which currently allows international graduates to stay and work for up to two years after graduation. According to ‘The Observer,’ this proposal may face significant resistance from his own ministers. These potential changes could greatly affect the appeal of UK universities for Indian students, who have been the primary beneficiaries of this visa since its inception in 2021.

Government insiders have indicated that Downing Street is contemplating further restrictions or even abolishing the Graduate Route, despite the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) advising its continuation due to its benefits for UK universities. “Sunak is now finding himself caught between the demands of right-wingers with one eye on the Tory leadership and Conservative moderates who fear the consequences of a lurch to the right on the party’s reputation and election chances,” the newspaper reports, citing sources close to ministers opposed to eliminating the visa.

Key members of the Cabinet, such as Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron, are leading the opposition to these changes. Leaders from universities and businesses have warned that reducing post-study visa options would make the UK less attractive to international students, especially those from India.

John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), highlighted the importance of international students: “Studying at university is one of our biggest export successes. Attracting international students boosts local economies and losing competitiveness would put support for undergraduate teaching and innovation at risk.”

Universities UK (UUK), which represents UK universities, has called on the government to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the visa. Vivienne Stern, UUK’s Chief Executive, stated, “We hope and expect that the government now listens to the advice they have been given and provides categorical reassurance that the Graduate visa is here to stay.”

MAC Chair Professor Brian Bell noted the significant impact on Indian students, who accounted for 42% of the visas granted between 2021 and 2023. He stressed, “Our evidence suggests that it’s the Indian students that will be most affected by any restriction on the Graduate Route.”

Vignesh Karthik from the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK echoed this sentiment, saying, “The uncertainty caused by the review has been chaotic. We urge the government to accept the MAC’s findings and ensure the Graduate Route remains a stable and permanent fixture in the UK’s immigration system.”

As the UK approaches a general election, the Sunak-led government is focusing on reducing both legal and illegal migration. With new immigration statistics expected next week, additional policy changes are likely.

The Australian Government has recently disclosed modifications to the Temporary Graduate visa program as part of its new Migration Strategy, set to be implemented from 1 July 2024.

Adjustment of Visa Streams Based on Educational Levels

The visa category known as the Graduate Work stream will now be referred to as the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Similarly, the Post-Study Work stream will be updated to the Post-Higher Education Work stream. The eligibility for each stream will be determined by the qualification you acquired to satisfy the Australian study requirement. Additional qualifications you possess will not be considered for eligibility.

For those with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification, it is appropriate to apply under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.

The qualification used must align closely with your designated occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

If you have earned a qualification at the degree level or higher, you are to apply under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Note: Previous restrictions for applicants whose initial Student visa was granted following an application made on or after 5 November 2011 will be abolished.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (formerly Graduate Work Stream)

The age limit for applicants to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream will be lowered to 35 years or younger at the time of application. However, holders of Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports will remain eligible up to the age of 50. Those who find themselves ineligible for this stream due to the new age limit may consider other visa options.

Applicants may remain for up to 18 months under this stream. Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders may extend their stay up to 5 years.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Post-Study Work Stream)

The age cap for the Post-Higher Education Work stream will also be adjusted to 35 years at the time of applying. The age limit remains at 50 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. Applicants affected by this change in eligibility due to the new age restriction may explore other visa pathways.

The option for a ‘select degree’ 2-year extension will be discontinued. The duration of stay will be adjusted as follows:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
• Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years
• Masters (research) and doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 3 years.

Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may qualify for a stay of up to 5 years.

The durations for Indian nationals, as specified in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), will continue as follows:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
• Bachelor degree (with first-class honours in STEM, including ICT) – up to 3 years
• Masters (coursework, extended, and research) – up to 3 years
• Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Second Post-Study Work Stream)

The Second Post-Study Work stream will be renamed as the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. This section will see no further changes.

Termination of Replacement Stream

The Replacement stream will be discontinued after 1 July 2024.