North America

Coverage of higher education in North America, including universities, policy, and research developments.

US finalises four-year student visa rule, ending decades-long duration of status policy

· By H. Yang

The United States has finalised its four-year student visa rule, ending the long-standing duration of status policy and requiring many international students to seek government approval to extend their stay.

U.S. research universities face PhD admissions decline amid funding uncertainty

· By H. Yang

U.S. research universities report declining PhD admissions as funding uncertainty, reduced research capacity, and international student challenges raise concerns over America’s future innovation pipeline.

Johns Hopkins cuts 110 jobs amid funding decline

· By Eleanor Shaw

Johns Hopkins has laid off 110 employees amid continuing federal research funding cuts, underscoring growing financial pressures facing research-intensive universities across the United States.

US court strikes down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee

· By H. Yang

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, easing concerns across U.S. higher education and research sectors that rely heavily on international talent.

Canada unveils new national AI strategy with major focus on skills and higher education

· By H. Yang

Canada's new "AI for All" strategy aims to expand AI literacy, provide trusted AI tools to post-secondary students, and strengthen the country's AI workforce and infrastructure.

Yale faculty report rising fears and self-censorship over academic freedom

· By H. Yang

A Yale faculty survey found declining academic freedom, rising fears of complaints and retaliation, and growing self-censorship in teaching, research, and public engagement since 2025.

UC faculty push to restore standardized testing for STEM admissions

· By Eleanor Shaw

More than 1,100 UC STEM faculty are urging the restoration of SAT and ACT requirements, citing growing concerns over mathematics preparedness and student success.

Trump defends Chinese students in U.S.

· By Eleanor Shaw

Trump defended Chinese students in U.S. universities despite earlier STEM-related visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10043, exposing divisions over immigration, national security, university finances, and international education policy.

10,000 international students linked to suspected STEM OPT fraud

· By H. Yang

U.S. investigators identified over 10,000 suspected fraud cases linked to STEM OPT, uncovering shell companies, fake employers, and compliance loopholes in international student work authorization.

Muhlenberg College faces budget deficit and potential layoffs

· By H. Yang

Muhlenberg College faces a $10 million deficit, prompting potential layoffs and AAUP calls for fairer staff treatment during campus restructuring.