US Mission Releases New Appointments to Meet Visa Demand
This is great news for all visa applicants in India! However, it remains to be seen how many appointments actually open up for students. While Mission India is claiming they are setting records in visa numbers, we are still sorting through their data. Our team continues to monitor both visa approvals and denials around the globe.
“New Delhi – The U.S. Mission to India opened an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travelers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. The recently released new slots will help hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants take timely interviews, facilitating the travel which is the backbone of the people-to-people ties that underpin the U.S.-India relationship.”
Read more on the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India website >
African Immigrant Startups: From Student To Success In Global Economy
This is an interesting read and a good reminder that talent is global. With its growing middle class and youth population, Africa will become increasingly important as we continue to recruit international students. Ensuring there are opportunities for every student, no matter where they come from, will be integral for the US in continuing to recruit the best and brightest around the world.
“For U.S. universities and the American economy, Africa will be a significant source of international students in the years ahead. The number of students from China applying to American universities has stagnated, and low population growth in many countries limits the potential supply of future international students.”
Learn more on Forbes >
US Restricts Study Abroad for F-1 Visa Holders
This policy shouldn’t have a significant impact on our incoming students and the hope is that this policy change will be reversed. However, for some students, choosing programs that include portions of their studies to be done abroad will have an impact on their plans. We will continue to monitor this issue and update as new information is learned.
“Many US campuses offer study abroad programs longer than five months. International students with these visas are now restricted from taking advantage of these wonderful opportunities,” Mike Magee, president of Minerva University, told The PIE News.
Get the full story on The PIE News >
Admissions Shifts Strategies, Class of 2028 Over 50% Students of Color and International Students
This interesting new reporting comes one year after the Supreme Court ruled to end affirmative action admissions policies at US universities. The reporting shows both gains and losses and takes a look into how some universities are developing efforts to continue prioritizing diversity, including looking at correlations between race and other factors (such as socioeconomic status and high school data).
“One year after the 2023 Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action, the class of 2028 reported increased enrollment among Asian students, Hispanic or Latino students, non-U.S. citizens and students of two or more races. The percentages of Black or African American students, American Indian or Alaska Native students and white students have decreased compared to the class of 2027, which was selected using race-conscious admissions practices.”
Learn more on The Scarlet & Black / Grinnell College website >
