Is the US losing its edge for international students as the ‘degree premium’ fades?
A must-read for anyone working with international students. Despite the challenging headlines, this article cuts through the noise to deliver something genuinely useful—clear, thoughtful answers to the questions international students around the world are asking right now. Well worth sharing with your teams and your students.
The value of a US degree isn’t going away; it’s becoming more clearly defined. Today, students are thinking more intentionally about outcomes, and that’s helping drive a positive shift across higher education. Institutions are evolving by aligning learning more closely with workforce needs and expanding opportunities for practical, career-relevant experience.
The US still offers a unique combination of high-quality education, access to leading industries, and strong professional networks. What’s changing is the expectation that the pathway from education to opportunity should be more transparent. We’re also seeing strong confidence in credentials overall, 77% of Californian workers say they trust certifications to lead to real career advancement.
Presidents’ Alliance - Optional Practical Training Continues to Serve America’s Needs
Amidst increasing calls to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, this resource from the Presidents’ Alliance offers clarity. It provides essential facts, data, and a compelling case for why OPT benefits the United States. Use this guide to inform your next discussion with state leaders.
For more than three decades, OPT has been a core component of U.S. higher education for international students, supporting the United States’ global competitiveness and its ability to attract and retain talent. By allowing international students to gain hands-on experience as part of their studies, the program strengthens the workforce, supports employers, and helps sustain our nation’s leadership in research and innovation. To this day, it continues to serve its original purpose.
US Consulates Release Fresh H-1B, H-4, and F-1 Interview Slots Across India
Shorelight is tracking visa appointment availability in real time across key markets—and at the moment, slots are disappearing almost as quickly as they open. This article reflects that trend, and we’ll continue to monitor and share updates as the situation evolves. Encouragingly, this surge in activity follows a direct letter from the US for Success Coalition to the U.S. Department of State, urging prioritization of student visas during peak season. Read the letter. Early signs suggest consulates may be listening.
After almost four months of near-paralysis, US consulates in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata have begun quietly releasing new interview appointments for H-1B, H-4, and initial F-1 visas. The Financial Express reports that slots are appearing in small batches and vanishing within minutes as travel agents and applicants scramble to re-book interviews that were cancelled or pushed into 2027 after the State Department introduced mandatory social-media screening on 15 December 2025.