The Reign Continues: Chinese Hold Firm as the US Education Giants!

In 2023, students from China maintained their status as the largest group of international students in the US despite a slight decline. They continue to be the primary source of international students in the US pursuing their education. 

During fiscal year 2023, the State Department granted over 600,000 international student visas, marking the highest issuance since fiscal 2017. International students from China in the US accounted for 289,526 of these visas in 2022-2023, reflecting a minor decrease of 560 students compared to the previous year. 

The international student visa news emphasizes the Open Doors 2023 Report. The report on the International Educational Exchange indicates a decrease in the total number of Chinese students in the US in the last three years, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022-2023 academic year recorded the lowest enrollment since 2013-2014, with 289,526 Chinese students. However, there was a modest rise in graduate, non-degree students, and those on Optional Practical Training. 

With Optional Practical Training, international students in the US can work temporarily in a field related to their academic degree. A State Department official stated that there has been a two-year rebound of all international students in the US following the pandemic. The country witnessed a 14% enrollment growth in 2023. The US government remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while maintaining high national security standards.   

Addressing the international student visa news, Julie Stuft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, emphasized their focus on reducing wait times in fiscal 2024. This was in a November briefing on the agency’s 2023 visa operations. She said, “We’ve driven down wait times in all categories worldwide, except for one, and that category is first-time visitors.”

Shawn Zhan, an international student from China, finds the visa application process to be intricate. He said, “There’s a lot of paperwork and just going through all the examinations, taking TOEFL, and also physical exams as well. Took a lot of vaccines. But I will say, it’s worth the trouble if you’re determined to come.” 

Zhan shared that his first impression of the US was positive; having a host family greatly aided his adaptation to the language and environment. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the kindness of people in the US. For more such student visa-related news, make sure to follow amber news.