Resource Category: Research Topic
Promoting Inclusive Teaching Pathways
About the e-guide: In collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (UMDI), WES developed the SIIP Demonstration Implementation Guides to support state and local governments, community-based organizations, institutions, and other entities aiming to advance immigrant workforce inclusion. This guide highlights effective strategies for fostering inclusive entry into the education workforce, featuring proven approaches and real-world examples […]
NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo
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Alternative Pathways to Licensure for Internationally Trained Dentists in the United States
About the policy brief: Millions of Americans live in dental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) where they receive inadequate care and experience poor health outcomes such as untreated cavities, periodontal disease, and oral cancer detection at later stages. Expanding licensure pathways for internationally trained dentists is a practical, cost-effective means of beginning to comprehensively address […]
Trust Through Information: Strengthening Canada’s International Student Information Ecosystem
About the report series: International students make critical contributions to Canada, but they need clear, accurate, and timely information to succeed. Currently, that information is difficult to navigate, as policies change quickly, official sources don’t always reflect the latest changes, and misinformation spreads faster than ever. This creates hardships for students, reduces trust in Canada’s […]
Journey Map and Bill Comparison Chart: Alternative Pathways to Licensure for Internationally Trained Physicians
About the policy brief: Developing a unified strategy to expand immigrant access to good jobs in health care requires a shared understanding of how licensure systems operate and where they are changing. Clear, consistent definitions and visibility into pathways for international medical graduates (IMGs), including internationally trained physicians (ITPs) are essential for aligning workforce, policy, […]
Legislative Strategies: How Three States Responded to Physician Shortages
About the policy brief: Longer wait times for doctor’s appointments. Rural hospitals at risk of closure. These daily challenges stem from the current physician shortage that is only projected to get worse: a shortfall of 86,000 doctors by 2036. Meanwhile, thousands of internationally trained doctors already living in communities nationwide cannot practice due to licensing […]
In Search of Information: Insights from International Students in Canada on Improving Access to Immigration Information
About the report: International students bring cultural diversity and significant contributions to Canada, but they need clear, reliable immigration information to succeed. Without it, talented students who could fill workforce gaps face unnecessary barriers, and Canada risks losing its reputation as a welcoming study destination. This study gives voice to 80 international students navigating immigration […]
From Policy to Practice: Why States Need Better Data to Advance the Impact of Alternative Pathways to International Physician Licensure
About the report: The U.S. faces a critical physician shortage projected to reach 86,000 by 2036, hitting smaller and already underserved communities hardest. To address this crisis, 20 states have enacted alternative pathways to practice for internationally trained physicians who already live in American communities. New research from the Council of State Governments and World […]
Establishing State Offices of New Americans: A Playbook for States
About the playbook: As states respond to workforce challenges and demographic changes, many are establishing Offices of New Americans (ONAs) to support immigrant and refugee integration. These state-level entities help coordinate services, connect communities to economic opportunities, and address labor shortages. A playbook from World Education Services offers guidance for policy makers, advocates and stakeholder […]
Reimagining Canada’s Immigration System: Insights from a WES National Roundtable Series
Canada’s immigration system needs a clear future vision. Earlier this year, WES convened over 60 experts from across the country in a series of roundtables to reimagine how Canada attracts, integrates, and empowers newcomers. What emerged was striking alignment on the urgent need to address structural flaws in the current system—from overreliance on temporary workers […]
2024 End-of-Year Policy Review
This brief explores 2024 policy reforms addressing U.S. workforce shortages by expanding access to education, licensure, and credential recognition for immigrants and refugees.
Fostering Inclusive Pathways into the Health Care Workforce
This report is about effective strategies for addressing healthcare workforce shortages by promoting immigrant and refugee inclusion, highlighting successful approaches and real-world examples from organizations like African Bridge Network and the International Medical Graduates Academy through the SIIP Demonstration project.
