The NFAP analysis also revealed that 70% of full-time graduate students in selected AI-related fields at U.S. universities are international students. However, difficulties in obtaining H-1B status and permanent residence often lead these students to pursue careers in other countries. The report warns that the U.S. risks losing the global competition for AI expertise if it does not cultivate more domestic talent and recruit and retain more talent from abroad.
Key takeaways:
- International students are a crucial link in America’s efforts to lead the world in artificial intelligence, with 42% of the top U.S.-based AI companies having a founder who came to America as an international student.
- 77% of the leading U.S.-based AI companies were founded or cofounded by immigrants or the children of immigrants.
- 70% of full-time graduate students at U.S. universities in selected AI-related fields are international students, making them a key source of AI talent.
- The United States risks losing the global competition for scarce AI expertise if it does not cultivate more potential talent at home and recruit and retain more existing talent from abroad.