A controversial change to the rule that would have hindered international students seeking work in the United States after graduating has officially been scrapped.

Educators have warned a proposal to limit the use of H-1B visas in the US will drive international students towards alternative study destinations, as they reminded of the importance of post-study employment opportunities.

Almost 1.5 million international graduates obtained authorisation to remain and work in the US through the Optional Practical Training program between 2004 and 2016, with nearly three-quarters coming from Asia, a new report has revealed.

The economies of both the US and India could suffer if any curtailment of the H-1B visa scheme is introduced, a study from the Centre for Global Development has argued.

A report has underlined stakeholders' concerns that retaining international graduates could be more challenging if a reform of the H-1B visa system which favours the most skilled goes ahead.

The USCIS suspension of fast-track H-1B visa processing could be disruptive for international students and researchers switching from student and exchange visas.