Most universities waive English language test requirements for students from countries where English is the official language or if they have a degree from an institution in an English-speaking country. However, there are also cases where students come from non-exempt backgrounds but were taught in English during their previous academic coursework. India is perhaps the most obvious country with this scenario, with many institutions offering Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates to verify that the student completed their previous coursework with English as the primary language of instruction. As English language testing can be both costly and time-intensive, students and agents alike often ask universities to consider accepting MOI in lieu of testing as a way to lower application barriers without reducing quality.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Application Incentives
June 20, 2025
Over the past several months, the education community has closely followed and responded to policy decisions that have significantly affected the recruitment of international students to U.S. institutions. As we continue to navigate these evolving challenges, Leap GeeBee and our university partners remain committed to driving forward, supporting not only yield efforts for the Fall 2025 intake but also encouraging applications for future terms.
Several recent strategic discussions with our institutional partners have revisited the concept of application incentives and flexibility on admissions requirements. While such incentives encourage students to submit applications, do they ultimately work? And, do they simply drive up application volume or do they actually improve other points of the application funnel?
Application fee waivers
Application fees serve a variety of purposes in the admission process. Practically speaking, there are real costs to be covered in the processing of application materials. Conceptually, the application fee can be an intentional barrier, requiring students to have enough genuine interest in a school to pay the fee. However, incremental costs build quickly as students prepare their application materials, and seemingly nominal amounts in US dollar terms can be significant in the home countries of potential students. Additionally, the initial application is only one of many touchpoints during the admissions process when a university can engage with great students. Lessening the barriers to apply brings more students into a university’s funnel, thus increasing the volume of potential students to admit and ultimately enroll
But, what does the data tell us?
- Out of 138 universities recently reviewed, 98 of the institutions (71%) provided application fee waivers.
- Perhaps not surprisingly, these institutions received 98.2% of applications submitted during the observed time frame.
- Admit rate was effectively the same across the two pools. However, offer acceptance as measured through I-20 issuance was lower for fee waiver schools, at 36% compared to 48% for those who required the fee. While conversions for app fee waiver schools were lower by 12 percentage points at the I-20 issuance stage, the higher volume generated by these schools provided a strong enough base to outweigh these losses in ultimate enrollment numbers.
Application fees are more easily waived by some schools than others. For some institutions, there is the reality of costs that must be covered. For others, providing a waiver to some students and not others creates an equity issue. If waivers are possible, however, they offer a tangible incentive for students that meaningfully increases application volumes.
Institutions who are unable to offer blanket waivers can consider a more measured approach such as tying waivers to webinar participation, a specific time frame, or association with an educational agent. This tailored approach can also provide further data to support a longer term waiver strategy, as it gives universities the ability to compare the quality and conversion of applicants across both pools from the same recruiting cycle.
Medium of Instruction (MOI) documents as proof of English language proficiency
Across our full partner data set of over 400 institutions, only 9.5% of institutions currently accept MOI in lieu of English language testing. However, conversion rates at each stage are nearly identical between the two pools.
- Admit rates were effectively the same for both populations, though I-20 issuance was slightly higher for those requiring testing.
- While a common concern voiced around MOI is whether students will have strong enough language proficiency to successfully pass their visa interviews, our data showed equivalent visa approval rates for MOI applicants as for English language test takers.
Accepting MOI certificates in lieu of English language proficiency tests can be a larger ask for some institutions. Some university leaders may see this as a change to eligibility requirements, while faculty may question if MOI verification adequately represents students’ ability to succeed in their classrooms. One compromise approach could be a pilot where MOI are accepted given other factors, such as undergraduate GPA or reputation of the previous institution, followed by tracking the success of that pilot group of students not only through enrollment but through graduation. For more timely impact, data from peer institutions who already accept MOI can be persuasive for building a case to test the concept.
I-20 issuance without an enrollment deposit
Over the last two years, Leap GeeBee’s university partners have deployed strategies across the spectrum with respect to enrollment deposits. Institutions concerned with growing transfer-out numbers have both increased deposit amounts and introduced them earlier in the process. Others have chosen instead to delay deposits until after visa issuance, recognizing increasing student reluctance to pay significant deposit amounts (even if refundable) in a climate of increasing visa rejection rates.
Not surprisingly, the lack of a pre-I-20 enrollment deposit had a significant impact in the data set reviewed by our team.
- Across our reviewed data set, 35.5% of institutions currently do not require an enrollment deposit prior to issuing an I-20 to a student.
- Those institutions achieved a 95% I-20 issuance rate compared to only 31% for those who did require a deposit.
Given current uncertainty around visas, we strongly encourage universities to waive or delay enrollment deposits until after visa issuance to keep students moving along the process and engaged with your institution. We actually recommend not removing the deposit entirely, but rather delaying it until after visa approval to further solidify the student’s likelihood to matriculate. Universities can then mitigate potential transfer out scenarios by increasing deposit amounts, which is more palatable to a student after their visa has been approved since deposits are credited towards tuition. By shifting the timing of the enrollment deposit to later in the process, universities can relieve student anxiety prior to their visa appointments while still maintaining control mechanisms on the student’s ultimate enrollment.
At Leap GeeBee, we are grateful for our partners who frequently reevaluate their strategies with us and modify the options they are able to offer to applicants. In a time of policy uncertainty, these institutions encourage students through their pipeline by offering incentives like those outlined above to improve volume without sacrificing quality. No single strategy is a silver bullet, but deploying such tactics allows institutions to improve different stages of the application cycle while also demonstrating to students an awareness of and desire to mitigate the barriers they face.
AIRC is pleased to release our 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report. Take a look at AIRC's successes this past year and our future plans.
Millions of students pursue international education every year. It's a movement that's continued through global shifts in affordability and access, and will continue to grow. In fact, some sources project there will be over 9 million international students by 2030. To see how future students' priorities are shifting and what factors are shaping their journey, the team at ApplyBoard, an international student mobility platform, runs a semi-annual Student Pulse Survey. Since the first survey in 2022, over 3,500 students have shared their thoughts. The most recent survey ran between February 25, 2025, and March 12, 2025, and collected insights from nearly 850 students. Let's take a closer look at which programs and careers students are aiming for, how changing policies are affecting their plans, and which study destinations are gaining ground. Key Findings: In the survey, affordability was the most commonly cited determining factor when choosing a study program. It was noted as important by 77% of respondents. 92% of surveyed students indicated some level of interest in studying in the US. Due to rising costs, just over one in four students are considering different study destinations than they'd initially planned. Strong Interest for Studying in the US Rises When asked where they'd like to study, 65% of respondents were only interested in studying in one or more of the following destinations: Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and the US. The survey also looked at students' specific levels of interest in these destinations:
New insights | Rebuilding trust by rethinking priorities in international student recruitment By Riccardo Lanza Studying abroad in the United States has a stellar reputation; it is the most popular destination for international students, hosting over one million students in the last academic year. We all know, however, that recent times have been challenging - the Trump administration cutting research funding, the immigration crackdown on international students and now, competition from emerging markets is intensifying as some of the European Union’s most high-profile leaders gathered to launch the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative early in May. It seems the threats keep coming. It is time for universities in the USA to reassert their leadership by focusing not just on academic excellence, but on delivering the outcomes and experience today’s students value most. Edvoy’s recent research into student preferences and institutions’ perceptions of what students are looking for highlights an essential truth: student priorities are changing in subtle but significant ways. By acting on what they say, we can rebuild trust in the USA as the ultimate destination. A changing market: strategic students, choosing differently Edvoy’s latest data confirms international students are increasingly acting like consumers. Applicants are outcome focused, with value for money and employability standing out as integral to their decision-making. The top three factors for making their final choice on where to study were: Opportunities for industry placements and work experience , especially important to students from Nigeria, Nepal and Pakistan Access to scholarships or financial support , a critical consideration for particularly undergraduates from lower-income countries Cultural alignment and sense of community , where the perceived ease of fitting in and feeling welcomed had a strong influence on their decision. What is noticeable by its absence, compared with previous insights, is the university’s ranking. Over 60% of institutions ranked university reputation among their top three assets in marketing their university, whereas only 38% of students said it had a decisive impact , particularly those in Saudi Arabia, India and Bangladesh. One Indian student commented, “I knew what country I wanted, but the university came down to job links and cost. I actually ruled out a higher-ranked school because it didn’t have paid internship options.” In contrast, more than half of the students surveyed listed scholarships in their top criteria, whereas fewer than one in three institutions viewed them as a major attractor. This is a major challenge for USA universities that expect the highest tuition fees for international students, globally, with an average of $20,000-$50,000, going up to an average yearly cost of $45,000-$70,000 including accommodation and living expenses. For most, studying abroad is more than an academic pursuit - it's a major investment, often funded through family resources or loans. A degree alone is no longer the end goal; it's a gateway to better career opportunities, higher earning potential, and, for some, a path to long-term residency or international work experience. This is why features like post-study work opportunities, industry partnerships, and robust career support are playing an increasingly pivotal role in where students choose to study. Their perceived value comes with the promise of greater return on investment from the initial outlay. Changing the narrative: aligning student priorities with international student recruitment strategy The USA is renowned for its academic excellence, boasting some of the world’s top universities that consistently dominate global rankings. To compete with emerging markets, offering lower costs, it’s important to talk about more than these credentials. And you won’t have to do it on your own. While 32% of students listed university websites among their top three research tools - placing them ahead of social media (25%) - the most trusted source of guidance was clear: 44% of students said they rely on recruitment agents or study abroad consultants to help them decide what and where to study. The impact of these conversations is significant. Globally, 38% of students change their original choice of course or destination after speaking with an advisor - a figure that rises to over 60% in South Asia and East Africa . Working with, and training, partners and agents on how to talk differently about your university is vital. Here are some key areas to focus on to help them be successful: Circulate latest scholarship information for agents to promote to their student networks, updated visa and admissions guidance ensures transparency and reflects ease to apply. Showcase career opportunities , such as paid-for internships during study, mentorships or graduate employment rates . Successful alumni may even be open to talk to your agents as well. Celebrate diversity ! Many campuses offer cultural celebrations on their campuses but seldom talk about it during the application process. Share photographs with your recruitment network, and talk about how you welcome international students and help immerse them in their new country. Finally, adapt partner training based on regional priorities . For instance, students from Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia focus more on rankings; those from Nigeria, Pakistan and Nepal care more about affordability and post-study work opportunities. A student-centred strategy will win! To remain a top destination for international students, USA universities must move beyond traditional markers of prestige and also focus on what students truly value today: affordability, employability, and a sense of belonging. Rebuilding trust means listening more closely and aligning recruitment strategies with students’ evolving priorities. By highlighting practical outcomes, strengthening agent partnerships, and tailoring messaging by region, institutions can better meet the needs of a new generation of globally minded learners - and ensure the United States remains a compelling and competitive choice in a shifting global education landscape.
AIRC Addresses Student Document Authenticity and AI in Institutional Admission Applications
As a member of the U.S. for Success Coalition’s Advisory Council, we are pleased to share the following updates from the U.S. for Success with the AIRC community. With so much happening, we wanted to provide an update on some of the biggest developments impacting the ability of international students from all parts of the globe to study and contribute their talents in the United States. Our strategy remains to communicate, collaborate and coordinate our coalition members’ in order to Remind key policymakers (especially in Congress) that welcoming and retaining international students should remain a national priority, as a way to apply pressure on the Administration to refrain from harmful policies. Pursue litigation when needed to protect rights and due process. Support higher education institutions and their students in facilitating international student success at every part of their journey to study and live in the United States. Shape the public narrative about the overwhelmingly positive contributions of international students . When international students choose the United States to study, live and work, everyone wins. Update on SEVIS Terminations Since mid-March, NAFSA has been collecting reports of SEVIS terminations and other actions targeting international students, and in April, released initial analysis showing several important findings showing that all levels of study, every region of the world, and all types of institutions in all regions of the United States were affected. On April 9th, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration , a member of the Coalition’s Executive Committee, joined in support by eighty-six institutions and associations, submitted an amicus brief in AAUP v. Rubio , a case challenging the administration’s revocation of visas and detentions of non-citizen students and scholars. The Presidents’ Alliance also filed a lawsuit together with several impacted international students, challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unlawful mass termination of SEVIS records for F-1 students and participants in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Amidst more than 100 court cases and 50 restraining orders issued from federal judges, on April 22, a federal judge in Georgia ordered the Trump administration to reinstate the legal statuses of 133 international students after their F-1 student visas were suddenly terminated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security (DHS). Read more: Federal judge orders ICE to reinstate legal status of 133 foreign students: The students argued that their visas were revoked without prior notice and proper explanation (Fox News) and International students stripped of legal status in the U.S. are piling up wins in court (PBS News) Then, starting around April 24, 2025, DSOs and attorneys began reporting that some SEVIS records previously terminated by DHS were being restored to Active SEVIS status. Politico reported on April 25 that the Department of Justice (DOJ) said in court that recent SEVIS terminations would be reversed. During an April 25 court hearing in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the terminations, a DOJ attorney stated: “ICE is developing a policy that will provide a framework for SEVIS record terminations. Until such a policy is issued, the SEVIS records for plaintiff(s) in this case (and other similarly situated plaintiffs) will remain active or shall be reactivated if not currently active." While encouraging, caution is warranted. As Heather Stewart and Erica Stewart of NAFSA, a U.S. for Success Executive Committee member, note in a new NAFSA blog post , “we have not seen the end of ICE-generated SEVIS record terminations.” Miriam Felblum, Executive Director of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, noted that activations highlight the impact of legal and collective action, but they do not undo the harm already done to students or institutions, nor do they clarify the origins of the policy. Continued careful monitoring of the reality on the ground, collective advocacy, and legal challenges remain essential to seek full relief, prevent future harm, and protect not only students’ rights but also the wellbeing of our communities and our nation. Making a Case for What’s at Stake On March 24, NAFSA hosted a LinkedIn Live Town Hall entitled, Seismic Changes in the United States: Implications for IE. Watch it here . The media continues to report on the negative impact that policies are having not only on international students but also on U.S. communities. We are working daily to remind decision-makers about the overwhelmingly positive contributions of international students. Many thanks to U.S. for Success members for sharing stories and data with the media to keep this story in the headlines while we work with the courts and Congress. Just a few highlights of the kind of stories we are collectively generating: Efforts to Halt Student Deportations Risk Trump Retaliation: Institutions are scrambling to quell panic caused by visa revocations, while seeking to avoid incurring wrath of regime intent on cutting fundin g , Inside Higher Ed, April 11, 2025 (quotes Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration) International students are being told by email that their visas are revoked and that they must ‘self-deport.’ What to know , CNN, April 19 2025 (quotes NAFSA) Losing International Students Could Devastate Many College s, New York Times, April 19, 2025. If the Goal Is Jobs and Trade, Make it About Jobs and Trad , LinkedIn, Tom Dretler, Executive Director of Shorelight, Coalition Executive Committee member eAlso of note a new NBC Poll found that Gen Z opposes Trump’s hard-line immigration tactics on college campuses, though there are differences by party identification and gender. A full 92% of Gen Z adults believe it is important that people in the United States who hold student visas, work visas and green cards are given due process protections when facing criminal or civil charges. A majority of nearly every demographic said those due process protections are important — including Republicans and those who identify with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Thank you for everything each of you are doing to stay informed and provide support to international students, and take strategic action. Take Strategic Action : We need everyone to send letters to Congress to urge them to impress upon top Administration officials that welcoming international students should remain a priority if we are to be able to compete globally and benefit from the innovation and cross-cultural perspectives of these talented students. Our Coalition launched a campaign to ensure welcoming and retaining international students remains a national priority, and sent this joint Coalition letter to Congressional leadership. Your Voice is Needed Now. As a member of the Coalition, we invite you to: Join NAFSA and the Coalition in sharing this Action Alert widely with your networks to urge individuals (colleagues, students, family members) to amplify our collective voice to ensure the United States remains open to talent from around the world. Share this Higher Education Institution Template Letter to Support International Students and Scholars in the U.S. Amid Recent Immigration Actions. The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration developed this template institutional letter in partnership with the U.S. for Success coalition for colleges and universities to use to communicate with their Senate and House delegations about the positive impacts of international students and scholars in the United States and the adverse consequences of the recent immigration actions. The letter could easily be adapted for businesses as well. Use these talking points from the Coalition and new infographic produced by NAFSA to make the case for what’s at stake. If you have questions or have resources that can help support other coalition members in their work to facilitate international student success, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@usforsuccess.org .
Employment prospects are increasingly linked to student perception of high-quality education Career development opportunities remain the most influential factor determining where international students pursue global education, according to new research conducted by international education specialist IDP Education in March 2025. The Emerging Futures 7 – Voice of the International Student research, which collected responses from more than 6,000 students from over 100 countries, shows a growing number of students are linking graduate employment prospects with their definition of high quality of education. According to the research, students’ understanding of whether an institution provides ‘high-quality education’ is now largely based on its ‘graduate employment rate’. This outranked ‘institution ranking’, ‘facilities available to students’ and ‘quality of academic staff’, showing that students are seeking tangible outcomes from their studies. The research also identified that ‘Job outcomes from the institution’ was the top non-academic factor when choosing an institution for 58% of international students. Simon Emmett, Chief Partner Officer at IDP Education, stated that these findings underscore the mutually beneficial relationships between international students and host countries. "We know that international students choose their study destination based on factors that help them become job ready, with access to post-study employment being the key influence,” said Emmett. “Simultaneously, we observe that international students are increasingly able to address essential skill shortages in the destination workforces. "The research serves as a timely reminder for governments and policymakers to embrace international students, who go on to fill vital skill gaps and foster long-lasting diplomatic ties between their home and host countries,” he said. While the research showed that there were positive sentiments among students, it also revealed they are struggling with study-related costs and increasing cost of living. “Financial considerations, such as the cost of visa, and savings requirements are weighing on students’ minds. One in two students told us they would consider switching to another destination country if it had lower savings requirements,” said Emmett. “Additionally, two thirds of students cite tuition fees, living costs and extra expenses as their biggest worry.” Despite the varying external pressures impacting each study destination, international student preferences for first-choice destination remained steady. Australia still holds the top spot, followed by the USA, the UK and Canada respectively. Australia has seen a five percentage point increase since March 2024, while Canada has continued to see a drop in the number of students choosing it as their first-choice destination, down six percentage points since March 2024. International students’ interest in graduate employment opportunities is positive news for the US, which currently faces a critical labor shortage, fueled by demographic headwinds and an increasing demand for skilled labor. In a recent white paper , IDP explored how international student graduates represent an untapped source of eager and skilled talent in the U.S. which can help fill the country’s labor gaps. Current employment pathways for international students, such as OPT, are underutilized, as many employers are unaware that it does not require employer sponsorship, has no lottery or cap, and has no associated costs to the employer. As the results of this latest Emerging Futures research show that international students are heavily motivated by what will happen after graduation, the US can use this to its advantage to address critical labor shortages. Download the infographic report to explore key findings: https://resources.idp-connect.com/ef7-us
Disclaimer: The following blog post is sponsored by ECE. The content represents the sponsor's views and not necessarily AIRC's. Please contact staff@airc-education.org with any questions.
New AIRC Website to Drive Stronger IEM Community Building and Knowledge Sharing Live on February 24, 2025
As a member of the U.S. for Success Coalition’s Advisory Council, we are pleased to share the following updates with the AIRC community. Quarterly Update (covering the period from November 2024 to January 2025) What Our Coalition Leaders are Saying To mark the one-year anniversary of our coalition, we issued a press release: U.S. for Success Coalition Sets New Goals and Welcomes New Members to Achieve International Student Success . See our 2025 Coalition goals here . Following the election, a number of our Executive Committee members issued statements and recommendations for the new Administration. Defending and Maintaining the Integrity of our Student Visa Programs On January 28, 2025, NAFSA’s Joann Ng Hartmann and Jill Allen Murray issued a fact-based response to alleged abuse of the U.S. Student Visa system. In Alleged Abuse of the U.S. Student Visa System: A Fact-Based Response , they make important clarifications on issues such as student visa status, student visa integrity, international student transfers upon entry, curricular practical training, and the role of associations and coalitions. Late last year, the U.S. for Success Coalition established a Visa Integrity Task Force to explore whether there are issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure the security of our system continues to serve the vast majority of international students and higher education institutions who are adhering to responsible, ethical practices. As a coalition, we are committed to the success of international students, and as such, we have a vested interest in preserving the integrity of the F-1 and J-1 student visa categories. There will always be those who will try to take advantage of existing visa categories and pathways for other purposes, and we aim to minimize any bad actors to ensure the vast majority of students and higher ed institutions who are using the system with integrity can continue to do so. Our Visa Integrity Task Force is currently focusing on preparing a brief informational document to address the alleged improper use of initial school transfer by arriving F-1 students. Steve Springer, Director, Regulatory Practice Liaison of NAFSA, serves as chair, with support from task force member representatives of the following organizations: AACRAO, AIRC, ICEF, NAFSA, and Shorelight. Higher Education Engagement: Resources and Upcoming Events The U.S. for Success Coalition continues its working group, chaired by Joann Ng Hartmann of NAFSA and Kate Campbell of IIE, to strengthen the Coalition’s work with U.S. higher education institutions in order to increase and diversify international student enrollment and post-graduation pathways across all U.S. states and territories. Our 2025 goals for this part of the coalition’s work are to: Share advocacy opportunities with coalition members and their respective higher ed institution (HEI) members to increase and diversify international student success in the United States; Share relevant data from the coalition’s leadership about market trends in student mobility and enrollment; Uplift best practices for student success; and Serve as a connector for higher education institutions across multiple organizations. We were pleased that so many of you were able to join our welcome event on December 4 with higher education institutions. There will be additional sessions on how U.S. higher education institutions can benefit from the coalition’s work at the upcoming March AIEA conference in Houston, Texas, and the May NAFSA Conference in San Diego, California. What We Can Do Together United, informed and vocal, together we can make change happen. As noted in Erica Stewart’s emails to Connecting Our World advocates (if you haven’t signed up to receive those emails, you can do so here ), here are a few things we can all do: Share the impact of recent Executive Orders on your students, college or university and community. NAFSA has distributed this brief questionnaire, intended to help better understand the immediate and potential impact of recent executive actions by the Trump administration affecting international education and exchange programs, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs, National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding, and extreme vetting of international students and scholars. You may submit this anonymously and without providing contact information. Bookmark NAFSA’s online “go-to” resource to stay abreast of the current administration’s executive orders and other federal actions affecting international education. Note the URL shortcut of nafsa.org/current-us-administration . The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration is also regularly adding resources to its website for all immigrant populations: undocumented, international and refugee students. The f ederal policies category provides a summary of how the recent Executive Orders and other actions impact different groups of non-citizen students - including international students . The Presidents’ Alliance also recently launched the newly revamped Higher Ed Immigration Portal to help users find crucial data, advocate effectively, and fuel change at the federal, state, and campus levels. Take Action : In addition to educating about the human difference that international students make, we must also educate policymakers about how international students help to lower costs for U.S. students and bring revenue to local businesses (food, retail, housing, etc). Use NAFSA’s Take Action tool to share the latest economic value data with your elected officials in Congress. Gather your stories. Promoting a positive narrative about international students will be vital to our success in protecting against policies that would damage our ability to attract and retain these students. We need to be sure we are ready to tell our powerful stories about what’s at stake if international student visas were to be denied or revoked or if international student programs are undermined or called into question. We all know that when international students choose the United States to study, live and work, we all benefit. As you gather your stories, if you would like to share them with the Coalition’s leaders for advocacy, you can enter your stories in box #5 of the questionnaire on NAFSA’s website. Additional Resources from Our Advisory Council Members For each quarterly update, we intend to share relevant data from the coalition’s leadership about market trends in student mobility and enrollment. Here are some recently released reports from Advisory Council Members ApplyBoard and IDP: ApplyBoard has released two reports you may find useful for our own planning and analysis: What Were the Fastest-Growing Destinations for International Students in 2024? TOP TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FOR 2025 AND BEYOND Navigating Global Student Mobility IDP issued a new white paper, co-published with inSpring: “ Connecting Industry & Education: International Talent as a Solution to the U.S. Labor Shortage .” The United States is facing a critical labor shortage, fueled by demographic headwinds and an increasing demand for skilled labor. The 1.1 million international students already in the country, trained with in-demand skills and eager to work, represent a powerful solution. Despite clear benefits, these talented individuals remain an underutilized resource. Download IDP’s white paper , which takes a deep dive into: Causes of the U.S. labor shortage and most-impacted states and industries International talent as a workforce solution Available employment pathways Benefits of international students to the U.S. economy Case studies of a higher education institution, an employer, and an international student Priority actions for how education and industry can collaborate to build a sustainable, future-ready U.S. workforce
A new white paper by IDP and inSpring explores an underutilized, high-impact solution to the U.S. labor shortage: international student talent. Facing demographic headwinds and an increasing demand for skilled labor, industries across the U.S. are struggling to fill critical roles. The 1.1 million international students who are already in the country, trained with in-demand skills and eager to work, represent a powerful solution to the nation’s skilled labor shortage. Despite clear benefits, these talented individuals remain an underutilized resource. The white paper takes a deep dive into the U.S. labor market, identifies the industries most affected by worker shortages, and lays out practical solutions for businesses, higher education institutions, and international students to address these challenges. Key findings: why the U.S. needs international talent A Growing Labor Gap - By 2032, the U.S. is expected to have a shortfall of 6 million workers. Every state is currently affected by the labor shortage, though certain regions and industries will be harder-hit. Demographic Headwinds - Historically low birth rates, an aging workforce, and early baby boomer retirements mean fewer young Americans are entering the labor market. Demand for Skilled Labor - Technological advancements have increased demand for educated workers, but U.S. colleges and universities aren’t producing enough graduates to keep up. By 2031, 72% of jobs will require post-secondary education. International Students Are Ready to Contribute - The U.S. is home to 1.1 million international students, many of whom are trained in high-demand STEM skills and strongly motivated by post-graduate employment opportunities. A win-win solution: hiring international talent Hiring international graduates presents one of the most advantageous solutions to the U.S.’s workforce challenges, for all parties involved. IDP's Emerging Futures research shows that there is tremendous desire from international students to be educated and employed in the U.S., and our higher education system has the capacity—and need—to host them. Domestic student enrollments are on the decline, signaling potential trouble for U.S. colleges and universities. International students bring substantial benefits to the communities they live, work, and study in, contributing $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. The fields of study that international students are pursuing align closely with U.S. workforce needs, with more than half choosing a STEM degree. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program provides a straightforward path for businesses to hire international graduates without sponsorship, visa caps, or extra costs. OPT is extendable through continuing education, meaning that an international student earning a STEM bachelor’s degree and continuing on to a STEM master’s degree would have a total work authorization of six years. Despite these benefits, the program remains underutilized. Case studies The white paper showcases examples of partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses that are successfully leveraging international talent and explores the perspective of an international student who has gone through the process themself. Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) , a private R1 research university in Cleveland, Ohio, exemplifies best practices in international student career support, though proactive employer education strategies, tailored programming, and student advocacy. South Carolina-based pharmaceutical company Ritedose Corporation has developed an innovative solution to hiring challenges: the Ritedose International Student Engagement (RISE) Program. Through a strategic partnership with Benedict College and inSpring, Ritedose connects skilled international graduates with employment opportunities, while simultaneously addressing personnel gaps. Harshith Kadaiah Gowda, an international graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has successfully made the transition from education to employment. After completing a job readiness program conducted by inSpring, he landed a position as a SCADA Analyst at the Diversified Energy Company. These case studies demonstrate the positive impact that can be made when industry and higher education collaborate and shed light on the common challenges that international students encounter while seeking employment in the U.S. Priority actions for a sustainable, future-ready workforce What would happen if industry and higher education worked together to implement the hiring of international talent on a larger scale? It would make a significant impact on the U.S. labor shortage, boost the economy and innovation, and change the lives of millions of international students. The white paper outlines priority actions for how higher education institutions, employers, and international students can collaborate together to build a sustainable, future-ready workforce. Download the white paper Short on time? Read the Executive Summary.