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.

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will develop a new unit to oversee employment compliance in Optional Practical Training programs. 

The Harvard president has pleaded to president-elect Joe Biden to prioritise international students as US consulates resume routine visa services.

The latest US SEVP data has revealed that despite a slight decline in the number of visa-holding international students in 2019. Overall student records were down 1.7%, reaching a total of 1,523,758.

The US has ruled that wholly-online study from September will not be permissible for international students, in new SEVP guidance that has caused shock and consternation in the sector.

Despite a slight decline in visa-holding international students in the US in 2018 according to SEVP, the total number of records for active students was more than 1.5 million.

The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed an increase in SEVP fees for international students on F and M visas by 75%, while schools will see an increase of 76% for certification petition fees.

International students could soon be paying more for their US study visas after the Department of Homeland Security revealed a new proposal to adjust Student and Exchange Visitor Program fees.