The Collective Public Policy Voice of the Exchange Community

Navigating the Paradox: International Student Visa Trends in 2023

The dynamic landscape of international education has been marked this year by a powerful paradox: aspiring international students are displaying a renewed interest in studying in the U.S., yet this enthusiasm is met with a growing struggle to secure visas. A dichotomy emerges – while U.S. enrollments are surging for the first time since the pandemic, a shadow looms as visa denials rise. Collectively, these elements shape the trajectory of international student mobility, offering insights into the United States’ public diplomacy impact and its role as a competitive global player.

Intl ed signaled as top export priority for first time in new National Export Strategy

For the first time, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Export Strategy identifies international education as a top export priority. The report outlines the significant economic contributions that stem from international education (in 2022, U.S. exports of education-related travel totaled $37.68 billion, a 17% increase from the year prior) and five novel approaches to promoting education and exchange opportunities in the U.S.