A bipartisan bill containing “critical” reforms for international students - and undocumented - in the US has been praised by a leading stakeholder.

Stakeholders called for more access to immigration pathways and reductions to integration barriers at a recent Presidents' Alliance event in Boston.

US immigration plans to phase in premium processing for international students seeking OPT and STEM OPT extensions, two weeks after introducing new measures that allow F-1 visa applications to be lodged further in advance.

Further action is required of the Biden administration to ensure that the United States "remains the world leader in higher education for decades to come".

International student footfall saw a slight decline in the years 2020-21, but F-1 and M-1 visa holder trends are heading “in the right direction”, according to stakeholders.

Students from Ukraine and Sudan in the US have been given Special Student Relief, meaning they can access work permits and have protection from deportation.

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

The US Department of State has adjusted its study visa guidance for consular officers who approve visas for prospective international students around intent to leave – a move that stakeholders have welcomed.