Every week, international students search online for the latest updates, immigration changes, visa news, and new opportunities. Yet it’s far too easy to miss critical information or waste time on outdated details. The landscape is moving faster than any single school, education agent, or family can keep up with.
One day, a country feels fully accessible. Next, the rules have changed. That’s why we created This Week in Study Abroad (TWISA), a clear, concise weekly digest designed to keep current and prospective international students informed without the stress of piecing together scattered information.
Our founder's experience as a former international student—nearly losing university admission due to a delayed tuition payment—became the foundation for Radius. Today, Radius provides payments and financial infrastructure to over 118,000 students in more than 20 countries.
Let’s dive into this week’s developments, starting with the key updates shaping the international student journey:
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Canada has eliminated the separate co-op work permit; your study permit now covers internships, practicums, and co-op placements.
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Spain, Japan, and Scotland are quietly becoming more attractive and accessible study destinations.
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A new bipartisan U.S. bill could offer stronger protections for F-1 students during OPT and while awaiting green cards.
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A proposed change to F-1 visa rules remains under review and could significantly reduce post-study flexibility.
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U.S. universities are bracing for approximately 150,000 fewer international students this August.
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The Canada Shift
Good news for students heading to Canada: as of April 1, the country has officially removed the requirement for a separate co-op work permit. Your study permit alone now covers internships, practicums, and all co-op placements.
No extra applications. No additional fees. This change eliminates roughly 120,000 applications annually. It reduces stress for students, speeds up hiring for employers, and simplifies advising for institutions. If you’re already on a Canadian study permit, you’re covered. Nothing else is required.
Source: IRCC via VisaHQ
The New Study Abroad Map
The world of study abroad is no longer limited to a handful of traditional destinations.
Spain has launched EduBridge, a fast-track pathway that allows students to work up to 30 hours per week, one of the most generous allowances globally. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are rapidly expanding English-taught programs. Graduates receive a 12-month job-seeker visa that can be converted into a work permit.
Japan is actively increasing its international student intake, with plans to raise enrollment caps and invest significantly to attract global talent. The country aims to welcome thousands more students and expand academic exchanges over the next five years.
Scotland continues to offer stable tuition fees and open access policies, making it an increasingly strong and reliable alternative within the United Kingdom.
The takeaway: Students now have 8–9 strong destination options, not just the usual 2–3. At Radius, we’ve partnered with affordable, high-quality universities in these destinations. Our Study Abroad Package makes it easier for you to explore and secure these new opportunities.
Source: The PIE News
The U.S. OPT Bill
A promising development for students targeting the United States:
The Keep Innovators in America Act (H.R. 8013), a bipartisan bill, has been introduced in Congress. If passed, it would:
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Allow F-1 students to maintain legal status during OPT.
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Provide protection for students with pending or approved green card applications.
While most immigration bills take time to pass, this one stands out for its bipartisan support and narrow focus. It is important to monitor its progress.
Source: NAFSA
Proposed Changes to F-1 Rules
A significant proposed rule that would end the duration of status for F-1 students is still under review. If implemented, it could:
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Cap your authorized stay at 4 years (or the length of your program)
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Reduce the post-graduation grace period from 60 days to 30 days.
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Require formal applications for any extensions.
There have been no changes yet, but the proposal could advance at any time. Students planning to study in the U.S. should prepare for the possibility of stricter rules.
Sources: Federal Register, NAFSA
Enrollment Drop
U.S. universities anticipate around 150,000 fewer international students this fall. Reasons include visa appointment delays, stricter screening, travel restrictions, and widespread uncertainty.
New international enrollment already fell by 17% between 2024 and 2025. The impact is especially uneven; students from certain countries are facing wait times of over a year for visa appointments, with many forced to defer multiple times.
This is the Key takeaway: Exploring alternative destinations gives students more choices when primary options are delayed.
You Should Do This Week
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If you’ve received an offer, start your visa process immediately; don’t delay.
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If you’re still applying, consider 2–3 countries, not just one.
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If the U.S. is your top choice, plan for the possibility that stricter visa rules may be in effect.
Sources: The Conversation, Inside Higher Ed
The Bottom Line
The study abroad landscape is shifting rapidly. Some pathways are expanding and becoming more accessible, while others are growing more competitive and uncertain.
Main takeaway: Acting early, staying informed, and keeping options open is now the best strategy. At Radius, our mission is straightforward: to ensure no student misses their dream because of delays, missed deadlines, or overreliance on a single country.
Stay subscribed, and you’ll receive these updates every Tuesday directly in your inbox — so you’re always one step ahead.
