A survey of Finland’s universities of applied sciences has revealed that increasing numbers of students are finding themselves unable to enter the country due to visa issues. 

Visa processing times globally are continuing to impact the recovery of the international education sector, with Canada at the most disadvantage, stakeholders suggest.

Visa processing data from Enroly indicates that the current rate of visas issued is not keeping pace with recent increases in CAS issuance, during the peak period for applications.

IRCC is experiencing challenges keeping up with a visa backlog as a result of the sheer volume of international student applications, which some stakeholders contend have been an "additional challenge" for international students during the pandemic.

IRCC has said that all study permit applications are assessed equally regardless of the country of origin, after stakeholders pointed to high refusal rates in Africa.

A hold on processing most temporary visas in New Zealand may decimate the number of international students allowed into the country this year, tertiary institutions are fearing.

The US government does not expect to “quickly resume” full operating capacity for its visa processing services, delegates heard at NAFSA’s 2021 conference. 

The largest international student market into the US is being stymied by the fact large numbers of US consulates around the world are not processing visas, and stakeholders are seriously concerned.