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This blog summarizes important trends in migration and their implications for the United States in preparation for Multicultural Insights participation in the 10th China and Globalization Forum, Global Talent Mobility and Governance Session in Beijing, China, on May 25, 2024.
The flow of Chinese students to the United States has been a significant element of international education trends for several decades. The ability of the U.S. to attract and retain international talent is a key factor in maintaining its leadership in innovation and technological advancement and an obvious economic benefit. According to NAFSA, international students, including those from China, contributed more than $40 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2022-2023 academic year. Their presence supports the financial stability of many educational institutions, particularly in times of declining domestic enrollment. A report by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown University estimates that Chinese nationals comprise 16% of all graduate STEM students in the U.S.
Historically, the vast majority of Chinese graduate students have opted to remain in the U.S. after completing their degrees. Data from the National Science Foundation indicate that the “stay rate” for Chinese science and engineering doctorates from 2006 to 2008 was 90 percent, significantly exceeding the global average. However, this was followed by the decline in “stay rates” for students from China to 83%, while the average of the same indicator rose from 58% in 2001 to 71% in 2017.
In the 2022-2023 academic year, Chinese students constituted 27% of all international students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions, maintaining China’s position as the top country of origin of international students.
Yet, the total number of students from China coming to the U.S. to study is continuing to decline (in 2022-2023 by just 0.2%, while a year prior – by 8.6%). This multiyear decline is caused by a number of factors, including a shift of focus from undergraduate to graduate programs due to economic considerations, political tensions, and visa issues.
Visa policies play a crucial role in the mobility of Chinese students to the U.S. The process of obtaining an F-1 visa, which is the most common visa for international students, can be challenging. The geopolitical landscape, particularly the trade war between the US and China, has contributed to stricter visa regulations for Chinese students. The U.S. Department of State has increased scrutiny on visa applications from China, particularly in STEM fields, due to concerns over intellectual property theft and national security. The reduction in F-1 visas, from 64,261 in the first half of 2019 to 31,055 in the same period of 2022, exemplifies this trend.
According to focus groups with Chinese graduate students conducted by Multicultural Insights, this heightened scrutiny limits the ability of graduate students to travel while in graduate programs, which negatively impacts their career prospects.
Economic conditions in China, such as the slowdown of the real estate market, have affected the ability of Chinese families to finance undergraduate education in the U.S., contributing to the shift towards graduate studies. Graduate programs often offer funding opportunities, such as scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships, making them more accessible to Chinese students who might face financial constraints.
Difficulty in securing employment in the US post-graduation due to visa issues and job market saturation also pushes students to return to China. The competitive job market in the US makes it challenging for international graduates to find suitable positions.
In addition, the Chinese government has implemented various policies to attract returning students, such as offering incentives for startups, providing housing subsidies, and creating research opportunities. These initiatives aim to encourage talent to contribute to China’s development.
Many Chinese students build lasting professional and personal relationships during their time in the U.S. These networks often lead to collaborations in research, business, and other fields long after they graduate. Such connections are beneficial for fostering international cooperation and innovation.
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Multicultural Insights’ study of Chinese graduate students in the U.S. will further detail factors determining patterns of talent mobility and contribute to mutually beneficial dialog and cooperation between the U.S. and China.
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