Education

Study Permit Compliance is another serious issue as most of the Indian students in Canada had been receiving emails from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), seeking that they resubmit various documents like study permits, visas, and educational documents. Understanding the Situation Students feel terrorised because their visa’s validity has been as high as two years. For Avinash Kaushik, a postgraduate from Hyderabad, it came like a shock that the government issued such an email, whereas his visa was valid up to 2026. “They even want proof of attendance, marks, and details about our part-time jobs,” he shared, reflecting the views of others who are being hassled by this sudden demand for documentation. It is most particularly pronounced among the students coming from Punjab; some are even asked to go and personally authenticate their credentials at IRCC offices. This creates anxiety in the minds of the students, as they fear being delayed or rejected, mainly for those who want a job after graduation. Tightening Policies in Canada This resubmission request comes at a time when Canada is tightening its policies on international students. The government has introduced tougher financial requirements and is mulling caps on student admissions. These are considered part of a broader strategy to regulate the influx of international students and ensure that only genuine applicants are granted study permits. Manisha Patel, a business management student from Adilabad, was frustrated and said, “We came here for a friendly atmosphere. But this is unfair.” Most students are not finding internships, which is compulsory for the final year. It’s a stress on the minds of the students as well. What Students Can Do On their end, students are encouraged to immediately follow all the requests from the IRCC. According to various experts, students must cautiously execute whatever instructions are given through e-mails so that no serious complications may arise in regard to visa cancellation or having issues with future applications. For instance, Mehbub Rajwani, a Toronto-based immigration consultant, claimed that “if the student is not compliant with the demand of the IRCC before its deadline, then there is a serious consequence that one must encounter.” Students are also demanding that the IRCC communicate more clearly to solve their problems and guide them in this uncertain time. The sudden influx of emails has left many uncertain about their future in Canada, which they chose for its education and friendly environment. Conclusion The recent instruction from the IRCC regarding resubmission of paperwork from Indian students has created an anxiety wave in the international community. With the policies of Canada getting more stringent, the students need to be abreast of the situation and proactive in dealing with the requests. By following up on the instructions of the IRCC and clarifying their apprehensions, the students would be able to deal better with this situation.

As Canada continues to be the destination of international students, it has issued new rules that will further streamline the transfer process among DLIs for the next winter or spring of 2025. This measure will make transferring between institutions even easier while giving them more room to change their mind and meet the terms and conditions that are set up under the new immigration regulation. Key Requirements for Transfer Institutions Under the new rules, international students can start their studies at a new DLI before getting a new study permit if they meet the following conditions: Acceptance at a New DLI: Students must have been accepted into a new DLI for the winter or spring 2025 semester intake.Application for a New Study Permit: Students must have filed the application with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, for a new study permit under a study permit extension application.Valid Study Permit: Students must carry with them a valid study permit that does not identify as holding the new DLI.Continued observance of existing conditions: All terms of the current study must remain met by the students.These conditions are essential to any student who intends to join their new institution without being delayed unnecessarily. Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility Implications Change of schools can also have implications for students applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. The following could be some of the conditions that a student has to satisfy depending on when they make the application for their new study permit and their new level of study: Language proficiency requirements: 1. All international students need to prove their language proficiency with one of the IRCC-approved language tests in English or in French.2. For university degrees, the minimum requirement needed is CLB 7 for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens, commonly known as NCLC-7 for French.3. A student applying for college or any kind of non-university degree and diploma needs to possess an adequate language proficiency that would bring them to the level of NCLC or CLB 5. These new language requirements are important for students who wish to obtain an open work permit after completing their studies. Conclusion The new policies for international students transferring schools in Canada in 2025 represent a huge shift in policy, offering more flexibility and support for students as they navigate their educational journeys. By meeting the conditions set out, students can transfer to new DLIs much more easily, but they are also preparing for their future careers through the PGWP program. With further international talents and people now being drawn into Canada, these shifts exemplify that the country still supports hosting students and citizens from anywhere in the world.

The H-1B visa program, one of the most important routes for qualified foreign workers, is near a major change. Just recently, Bloomberg Law was able to reveal that a major regulatory overhaul of the H-1B visa program is actually under review at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the White House, which is the last step leading to the public presentation of a proposed change in the technology industry and the foreign working professionals. Major H-1B Visa Program Changes The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published draft regulations last year that it says will change the criteria for eligibility in the H-1B visa, which it mostly uses to allow tech industries to bring skilled foreign workers into the country. Probably the most significant change would be to degree requirements, where more applicants would qualify for speciality occupation visas. The proposed rules also updated the annual H-1B lottery. This system ensures that any potential beneficiary has an equal chance of selection. It was finalised in January and is scheduled to be implemented before the fiscal 2025 visa lottery, which is capped at 85,000 new visas every year. The changes would make the process much fairer for applicants, and it’s about time they addressed these long-standing complaints about the randomness of the lottery system. Clarifications and Protections The proposed rules also clarify the basis for cap-exempt visas, which are issued to certain employers, such as universities and non-profit research organizations. In addition, the administration has announced a new policy giving deference to prior agency decisions when processing requests for visa extensions, thus speeding up the process for many applicants. In a related action, standalone rules intended to improve worker protections under seasonal visa programs have also cleared the White House. A rule targeting illicit fees and other abuses in the temporary H-2A and H-2B visa programs for farm and nonfarm seasonal workers was issued in draft last year. Included in the proposed rules are major sanctions, including suspensions of up to four years for violators among the employers who were being covered. Implications for the Future The overhauling of the H-1B visa program promises to have a deep impact on employers and foreign workers. By changing eligibility criteria and making the lottery process more efficient, the U.S. government hopes to attract a more diverse pool of talent that is crucial to keeping the country competitive in technology and innovation. As these changes draw closer to implementation, stakeholders in the tech industry and beyond will be watching closely as the developments unfold. The new regulations could not only provide more opportunities for skilled foreign workers but also offer greater protections against exploitation in the workplace. Conclusion The H-1B visa program is about to enter a significant reform that has the potential to change skilled immigration in the United States. The final review by OIRA is now underway. Changes may soon become possible, opening new avenues for professionals from abroad and solving other long-standing problems in this system.

The New Zealand Golden Visa program is going to be revamped in a bid to attract wealthy migrants and boost the economy through significant investments as the centre-right government plans reforms after a decline in investor interest due to 2022 rule changes. Reviving the New Zealand Golden Visa Program The Active Investor Plus Visa, which previously attracted rich investors and generated NZ$1 billion annually, has been suffering under stricter rules introduced in 2022. Over the last two years, only 35 applications have been fully approved, bringing in NZ$352 million in investment funds—far below the historical average. Knowing the turn, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said, “We are aware that the previous government altered those parameters, and we experienced a significant drop in the number of investors. You can expect to hear from us on that in the coming weeks.” Wealthy Migrants in New Zealand: More Than Just Capital The government of New Zealand recognises that the investor migrants contribute not only in financial capital but also through their networks, expertise, and innovative ideas that shape and strengthen the economy. Most often, such individuals make an initial investment and continue to expand engagement across the sectors, thereby giving an upward spiral effect on the economy. Recommended Amendments in the Requirements of Investment Visa Currently, applicants for the Active Investor Plus Visa have to invest NZ$5 million in direct investments or NZ$15 million in passive investments such as listed equities. The former required a threshold of NZ$3 million and allowed bond and property investments. All these changes have made the program significantly less attractive. Key reforms that are being considered include:1. Reviewing the minimum investment thresholds2. Revisiting the requirement for English language proficiency by applicants.3. Opening up avenues for foreign investors to buy expensive homes, currently illegal since a 2018 prohibition. The National Party would introduce the ability for foreigners to invest in homes worth NZ$2m or more, but the Coalition partner New Zealand First spoke out against it, saying that it would not agree, but New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has recently signalled he would open these avenues if there was some offsetting investment commitment. Investor Visa Overhaul in New Zealand. Path Going Forward Overall reform plans that the New Zealand government implements about the Overseas Investment Act aim to improve the convenience of making such applications. “Foreign capital has been pretty necessary to helping New Zealand reach those economic goals. It is concerning in some way. It’s about making sure that the investment migrant setting aids them in helping meet the needed outcome,” stated Minister Willis. Conclusion New Zealand’s proposed overhauls of the Golden Visa scheme are a strategic step to reclaim New Zealand as a preferred destination for high-net-worth migrants. In doing so, the government would be able to revive interest, boost economic growth, and address investment thresholds and restrictions and the added value that investor migrants bring. As such reforms take place, New Zealand will have to walk that thin line between protecting local interests and attracting global capital.

Affordable study abroad opportunities provide transformational experiences that promote personal growth and professional development. Other than the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, there are a vast number of other less preferred destinations. This guide is geared towards helping students make informed decisions that respond to their goals and criteria for the destination. Alternative Study Destination for Unique Cultural Immersion The best alternative destinations include Germany, Ireland, France, and South Korea. These places offer students a rich heritage of history, a diversity of cultures, and modern ways of living to expand their horizons and vision globally. For example, the countries include:1. Ireland: Learn about Celtic legacy, dance to the step of Irish culture, and feel the warmth of the people.2. South Korea: Discover the vibrant mix of old traditions and new innovation, from serene temples to bustling tech-savvy cities like Seoul. Engagement with local customs and languages in these places builds intercultural competence, a highly valuable asset in today’s interconnected world. Academic and Professional Advantages of Study Abroad Other study abroad destinations provide many academic and professional opportunities for specific interests: 1. Germany: Famous for engineering, automotive technology, and research-orientated courses. German universities often work with the world’s top industries, which allows students to get real-life, hands-on experience.2. France: A cultural capital for arts, fashion, and luxury industries. Students get direct access to the latest innovation and creativity in these fields.3. South Korea: A global leader in technology and innovation, perfect for computer science, engineering, or business students.Studying in these destinations not only enhances subject-specific knowledge but also cultivates language proficiency, critical thinking, and a global outlook—all of which are highly valued by employers. Aligning Studies with Career Goals Choosing a study abroad destination aligned with your career aspirations can give you a competitive edge: 1. Germany: Engineering and technology students benefit from exposure to industry giants and cutting-edge research.2. Finland: Specialises in tech, education, and design and offers programs on focused industries.3. France: Students with creative tendencies in arts or fashion can thrive because of the cultural richness and innovative environment.4. South Korea: For business and technological advancement, to give practical experience in the rapidly developing economy. Often, such destinations offer the student internships and research opportunities along with networking for them to graduate with an impressive professional portfolio. Affordability and Accessibility The alternative destinations are also cost-effective. Low tuition fees, living costs, and scholarship programs make the destination accessible to a large number of students: 1. Germany: Public universities have very low tuition fees. The student pays only administrative fees and living expenses.2. Ireland and South Korea: Both offer competitive scholarships to international students.These economic benefits allow students to reach their academic goals without severe financial burden. Safety and Security Safety is the first factor to consider in choosing a destination to study abroad. While secondary locations are normally considered safe, much research and planning are needed. The institutions within these locations usually offer tools to aid international students in their adjustment and concern management. Some examples are:1. Ireland is very safe with its friendly neighbourhoods and low crime rate, creating a comfortable atmosphere.2. Germany has a highly developed infrastructure that supports a safe and efficient lifestyle. Conclusion Learning alternative destinations for study abroad will bring many benefits in store, from cultural enrichment to career advancement. In such countries as Germany, Ireland, France, South Korea, and Finland, one can make use of the opportunities to better coordinate personal and professional aspirations. When studying among these hidden gems, one can have an unforgettable, impactful study abroad experience.

In the wake of Italy becoming a favourite amongst international students, new visas rules set in place start to trouble some scholars. Soon, as of January 10th, 2025, applicants for a Type D visa-which is to be obtained by students spending more than 90 days pursuing their education—will endure new changes, which may turn out to be a challenging experience during the study abroad experience. Understanding the New Visa Requirements The most striking change is the mandatory scheduling of individual appointments for fingerprinting at Italian consulates. This new procedure will undoubtedly add extra administrative burdens for both consulates and students. Melissa Torres, CEO of Forum on Education Abroad, voiced her concerns regarding the implications of this policy. She said that the higher cost of travel to consulates, combined with the prospect of long wait times for appointments, might discourage students from committing to full semester programs in Italy. Also, the “batch” processing—the procedure by which many US institutions used to expedite the process of visa applications—will be removed. Jill Allen Murray, deputy executive director of public policy at NAFSA, noted that this would place more administrative burdens on each Italian consulate, making it even more difficult for students to obtain their visas within the prescribed timeframe. The Impact on Study Abroad Trends Italian 15% of the year will also be the top country to which US students flocked in the 2022-23 academic year – a remarkable 37 percent up from the previous academic year. However, while such new visa rules threaten US stakeholders with students and citizens eyeing alternative destinations. The current trend of preferring shorter periods for study abroad programs might get worse as students are weighed against the new visa processing challenges against the benefits to be accrued from studying in Italy. Conclusion With Italy preparing to establish the new visa rules this year 2025, international students need to learn the changes and how their plan for studying abroad might affect it. Even though education is a significant attraction, with these added complexities coming along with the visa application process, a student may change the minds of going to Italy.

The NMC advisory has for the second time in a row advised Indian medical aspirants to study abroad to only foreign medical colleges that follow the rules formulated earlier. The evolving nature of medical education demands that the student is aware of the rules and regulations that form his future career. Knowing the NMC’s FMGL Regulations The NMC put forth the FMGL regulations in 2021, to guide Indian students who plan to pursue medical degrees in foreign countries. The rule is that foreign medical graduates would need to complete a full medical degree, which needs to be at least 54 months long, and the internship should be at least 12 months long, which ensures that the student had undergone a complete education. One of the most stringent stipulations of the FMGL Regulations is that the medical course as well as the internship be carried out at the same foreign institution. This means that the student cannot split his or her education between two different countries or return to India for any part of their training. Such a structure has been designed to give students a consistent and standardized form of medical education, which is an imperative to effective practice in India. Risks of Non-Compliance Despite the clear directives of the NMC, Indian students are still attracted to foreign private medical colleges that are not up to the mark. This trend raises huge concerns because students may lose their future medical careers due to enrolling in a college that does not adhere to NMC’s regulations. The commission has warned deviation in respect of the prescribed duration course, syllabus, medium of instruction, clinical training, and internship would itself be a disqualification for registration to practice in India. Language barriers are one of the primary issues students encounter at foreign medical institutions. Several colleges teach in the local language, which often impedes a student’s grasp of fundamental medical concepts. Apart from being an issue related to quality education, it will be a challenge if he has to apply for an appropriate and valid license for his medical practice in India. Due Research and Due Diligence In view of all these challenges, the NMC strongly advises students to do proper research before getting into a foreign medical college. It is very important to ensure that the institution fulfills all the established regulations and does not create any sort of complications in the near future. Students should be looking for colleges that have established a track record of achieving the NMC’s standards as well as quality education. Moreover, those looking to pursue a career in medicine should consult third parties, such as education counselors or graduates from the institution of interest, for input about the quality of instruction, professors, and overall educational experience at the college. Conclusion Indian medical aspirants must be aware and careful while looking for opportunities abroad. They must be wary of the NMC regulations regarding education. This means that the students are guaranteed to protect their future careers by opting for only accredited institutions that are within the stipulations of FMGL Regulations. Quality education and strict adherence to the established guidelines will thus be the most significant reminder to pursue a medical career by the NMC advisory.

Canada SDS visa cancellation has sent ripples in the Indian student community, as the program was one of the prime pathways for many through the accelerated study permit. The Indian government, however, has ensured students that this may prove to be an even cheaper and easier process of getting admission. Understanding the SDS Program The SDS program was initiated in 2018, where students could accelerate their study permit application. The eligibility criteria were quite specific: the students needed to pay one year’s tuition fees upfront, hold a Guaranteed Investment Certificate worth $20,635, and show language proficiency. This again created a financial burden on most of the students. On 8 November 2024, Canada canceled the SDS. In response, junior external affairs minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said that decision supports Canada’s objectives to strengthen immigration programs in the country and address vulnerabilities through enhancing integrity for the program’s participants. Further, he emphasized that it creates equity among the process for international students with equal opportunities of getting admission into the different studies. Move Towards Regular Study Visa All the international students who benefited from SDS will now be needed to apply for the standard study permit. The regular process, however is not financially demanding. From what used to be a requirement for payment of one year tuition, a student is required to pay only six months at present. Moreover, they should be able to prove that they have enough money to support themselves during their stay, making it easier for most students to apply. This change is a welcome relief to those who initially found the SDS requirements too difficult. The Indian government has also stated that this will reduce the burden of costs on students and increase the number of applicants for Canada studies. Indian Government Commitment There are, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 427,000 Indian students studying at present in Canadian colleges and universities. The Indian government continues to make efforts to address the problems being faced by these students and maintains interaction with the authorities in Canada in that respect on an ongoing basis. The issue still revolves around support and counseling for the students studying in India but abroad. Conclusion While cancellation is a setback for Canada’s SDS visa program, it equally provides an opportunity for Indian students to pursue their academic dreams in Canada at a more affordable cost. It shifts the doors open for many young people who previously felt excluded from the Canadian educational system due to financial constraints. As the international education landscape continues to change, students are advised to stay abreast of these changes and discover new opportunities that come their way.

Australian student visa fee hike of 126% has sparked concern among the international student community, especially Indian students. Starting July 1, 2024, the visa fee will rise from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, raising questions about Australia’s affordability and competitiveness as an education destination. Australian Student Visa Fee Hike: A Financial Burden on Indian Students Indian students form a large majority of Australia’s international student group, which currently stands at 118,109 as of 2024. The additional AUD 890 fee has become a big concern for middle-income families already battling tuition fees, accommodation, and rising costs of living.This growth is amidst falling student numbers. From 126,487 in 2023, the decline to 118,109 in 2024 is a sign of increasing unease over affordability and immigration policies. Financial constraints, coupled with stricter post-study work rights and visa rejection rates of 24.3%, are making Australia less appealing. Post-Study Work Opportunities: Shrinking Horizons Another blow for Indian students is the reduced period for post-study work visas. Earlier policies made longer stays possible, but for master’s graduates, their period will be two years, and three years for PhD graduates. Such changes would not encourage students who use opportunities for work as the reason to choose a country of study. Study Abroad Alternatives The increasing prices, along with tight policies, are forcing Indian students to look for cheaper alternatives for a college degree. Asia: Japan and South KoreaThese countries are becoming popular again with government scholarships, relatively cheap fees, and reduced cost of living. Technological concentration, along with global university rankings, attracts students from different places seeking quality. Europe: Germany, France, and IrelandTuition-free education at public universities in Germany is a strong pull for Indian students looking to study STEM fields. The targets of 30,000 Indian students by 2030 by France and student-friendly work-study programs by Ireland also act as an attractor. Canada and the UKMore traditional, still competitive: Canada and the UK have positive post-study work policies and streamlined visa processes in their favor. This can challenge the India-Australia education tie, one that has always been integral to both nations’ prosperity. Though Australia still attracts many students for study opportunities, the rising prices will push more Indian students away from this destination toward some more affordable but excellent options available elsewhere. Conclusion: Preparing for the Future The 126% increase in Australian student visa fees is a watershed moment for Indian students. While education in Australia remains of international standards, financial pressure, coupled with policy changes, has forced many to look away. Perhaps it is about time that the student base looked at other alternatives from Asia and Europe for some balance between academics and funds. As the dialogue between Indian and Australian authorities continues, it is yet to be seen whether Australia can address these challenges and maintain its position as a leading destination for Indian students.

The University of Michigan has recently become the number one public university in the United States for study abroad programs by the Institute of International Education. This ranking shows that the university is dedicated to enriching students’ global learning experiences. The University of Michigan has continued to empower students to engage with diverse cultures and perspectives around the world because of its strong emphasis on international education. A Commitment to Global Learning Valeria Bertacco, vice provost for engaged learning at the University of Michigan, describes this commitment. She said, “To be ranked the No. 1 public university and the No. 2 in the nation for education abroad is a testament to our commitment to provide students with ample and diverse opportunities to engage globally.” It is reflected in these statistics for the academic year 2022-23: 3,340 U.S. students from the university participated in study abroad programs, which is a big 70% increase over last year. These students visited 124 countries, including France, Italy, and Spain. Transformative experiences in China Among the countless study abroad programs, a delegation of five students from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance recently traveled to China for a dance exchange. The students spent ten days engaging in performances and workshops into local culture, learning about unique teaching methods and techniques in choreography. Dance major Robert Farr-Jones reflected on his experience: “Being fully immersed in a different culture was enlightening. I saw varied teaching styles and began incorporating them into my work back home.” Another student, Rileigh Goldsmith, shared the idea that movement could be used to bridge language barriers. Exploring AI for strategic decision-making In addition to focusing on global learning, the University of Michigan is also the forefront leader in research in AI. The professor at the Ross School of Business, Felipe Csaszar, studied the extent to which AI may complement strategic decision-making within an organization. He mentions the point that humans need to remain involved in the process of making decisions until such AI systems prove to be more safety-prone than human judgment. Csaszar also suggests the use of AI to democratize access to services, like personalized education, which so far has only been available to those who can afford it. Conclusion The University of Michigan is positioned as an innovative leader in global education as well as strategic decision-making concerning the dedication to study abroad programs and new research. Transformational international experiences for the students and leading-edge inquiry in AI technologies will shape the leadership for the future. Meanwhile, the students continue into the world, and the environment remains committed to learning and exploration at the University of Michigan.