With the changes brought by the current administration in the United States and the rising challenges that follow, studying in the U.S. as an international student has become more difficult than before. New policies have added a considerable amount of uncertainty due to increased bureaucratic processes , rising tuition, restricted work opportunities after college, and the uncertainty surrounding long-term residency in the U.S. for international students. READ HERE
Travel Ban to 12 Countries: Effective June 2025, this order restricts nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from entering the U.S. Seven additional countries, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, face partial restrictions. With limited exceptions, the order affects millions, including international students seeking to study or already studying in the United States. The administration frames this as protecting Americans from dangerous foreign actors.
H-1B Visa Fee Increase: Announced in September 2025, this rule imposes a $100,000 fee on employers hiring foreign nationals under H-1B visas. While intended to encourage hiring American workers, critics argue it could push international professionals to seek employment elsewhere – and importantly, could discourage foreign students who often rely on the H-1B visa for post-graduate employment from studying in the U.S. The reasoning behind this rule has been said to be a push for the American businesses to hire local talents, and utilize American professionals; however, studies have shown that H-1B workers have proven to complement and strengthen work opportunities for native-born Americans. Unsurprisingly, the policy is facing lawsuits, including from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
