As we’ve written before, contrary to popular perception, most Western countries are looking to attract more high-skilled immigrants. In that context it’s not surprising that the Biden administration agreed to settle a case so that it is a lot easier for the spouses of H1-B and L-1 visa holders (who receive H-4 and L-2 visas respectively) to find and keep jobs.
While in general the average age of the MBA classroom has been declining, our own experience suggests that international applicants are typically on the older end of the average MBA class. This is due to a host of reasons, including: it takes more time for those from developing countries to put together the savings needed to study abroad, and career advancement can be slower outside of the United States. Moreover, those outside of the West often get married at younger ages.
As a result, a lot of those who seek advanced graduate degrees in the US are often already married and must consider the careers of their spouses as they make education plans. This settlement makes it easier for those who intend to arrive in the United States with their spouse, to plan for a future where after graduating both partners are able to secure employment through the visa granted to the partner that holds an MBA.
Feel free to reach out to discuss how you and your spouse can approach your higher education plans.