The American Dream has always attracted students from developing nations and Chinese students have always dominated the international student population in US universities. 

However, recent statistics indicate a significant shift in this trend. According to the US State Department and the Institute of International Education, Indian students have surpassed Chinese students as the largest group of international students in American higher education – for the first time since 2009.

India made up 29% of international students, but China was still a major source, constituting about one-fourth of international students.

It is worthwhile to note that 40% of Indians are under 25 which is promising for the country’s economy as compared to China, where the population has just begun to age.

According to a report by CNN, experts attribute this decline to significant shifts in both policy and public perception. Many Chinese students and families are concerned about safety, racism, and discrimination in the US. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated these concerns, with a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and racism.

The downward spiral in US-China relations has also contributed to the decline. The Trump administration’s policies, including the cancellation of the Fulbright exchange program with China and the introduction of a ban on graduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students from several Chinese universities, have made it difficult for Chinese students to secure visas.

The decline in Chinese students in the US doesn’t necessarily mean there’s less appetite for an overseas education. Instead, students and parents are exploring alternative options. Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia have introduced more immigration-friendly policies, making them attractive alternatives to the US.

India’s growing population and increasing demand for higher education have contributed to the surge in Indian students in the US. With over 331,600 Indian students in the US last academic year, India has become the largest source of international students in American higher education.

The allure of an American education may be wearing off for some Chinese students. With improving educational quality in China and growing concerns about safety and racism in the US, some students are opting to stay in China or explore alternative destinations.
 

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the updated policy guidelines for international students’ eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. 

The revised guidelines, effective from August 27, offer clarity on rules concerning online study, school transfers, grace periods, and study abroad programmes. These will apply to all pending and future requests.

OPT duration extended for STEM students

As per USCIS, international students in STEM will now enjoy up to three years of OPT, compared to one year for the students of non-STEM fields. This will allow students to gain more work experience in the country.

Online Study Allowances

Eligible students will now be able to count one class or up to three credits per academic session towards their full course of study, without violating the F1 visa terms. It must be noted that the class is taken online or via distance learning, meaning that it does not require any physical attendance.

School Transfers

The new policy now grants permission to eligible students to transfer between Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) schools, certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), at the same educational level or even a switch between different educational levels.

Post-Completion OPT 

The new guidelines mention that students who have completed their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programmes are now eligible for the post-completion OPT.

OPT extensions

Students will now be able to apply for STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before the expiry of their current employment authorisation.

To be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, they will require a valid post-completion OPT period; a qualifying STEM degree from an accredited institution; and work with an employer enrolled in E-Verify.

60-Day Grace Period

Once they complete their OPT, students will have a 60-day grace period. During this time, they remain eligible to change their educational level, consider transferring to another SEVP-certified school, or apply for changing to a different nonimmigrant or immigrant status. 

During this period, the employers can also sponsor the student’s H-1B visa.

Clarification on the application period

The revised manual corrects the timeline during which the students can apply for the STEM OPT extensions, besides other technical adjustments. This ensures that the students can submit their applications.

Guidelines for the Study Abroad Programme

Students, who are enrolled in SEVP-certified schools, will be able to maintain active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) during the study abroad programmes if its duration is less than five months. For longer programmes, they will require a new Form I-20.

Students, who receive a STEM OPT extension, will be required to report any changes in their legal name, address, or employment details to the DSO within 10 days. Even in case there are no changes, still they will have to confirm their information every six months.