Last year the United States issued 445 O-1 visas to Russians. These are the so-called talent visas that countries use to attract skilled individuals. The trend marks a third consecutive rise: 135 such visas were granted in 2020 and 247 in 2021. A similar mechanism exists in the United Kingdom under the Global Talent Visa, which allows work eligibility for up to five years, after which many recipients do not permanently leave. In 2020, 34 visas went to Russians, 72 in 2021, and 397 in 2022. Some observers may call this idea ineffective because the totals cover a broad range of people, but it is important to consider how many of these entrants will contribute to science, culture, education, and other areas that influence national competitiveness and progress. The core point is not the large scale of the visa counts but the potential for outstanding achievements and discoveries that can elevate a country on the global stage. It should also be noted that last year Western authorities imposed strict restrictions on Russians, complicating international travel, limiting the use of Russian-issued bank cards abroad, and hindering cross-border money transfers. At the same time, visa issuance to Russians has faced hurdles, including in Russia itself, yet many individuals and families remain poised to advance Russian science and technology. [attribution]
The global landscape for attracting talent is intensely competitive. Western programs have long existed, and China has joined the competition more recently, guided by the principle that talent and education drive national strength. The country has faced a historic brain drain as thousands of students who studied abroad, especially in the United States, sought opportunities elsewhere. Authorities in China responded with significant investments aimed at persuading returnees, especially those in STEM disciplines. Today, Western PhD holders may find compelling incentives to return, with Chinese institutes offering compensation multiples above what some top U.S. universities provide. Other incentives emphasize return for highly skilled researchers, and the United Kingdom has also taken steps to attract leading researchers in artificial intelligence, following policy shifts under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Since 2019, the UK has reduced barriers for highly skilled workers and witnessed increased immigration from lower-income regions.
In Canada, the Express Entry system, introduced in 2015, provides a pathway to permanent residency for qualified foreign nationals in as little as a year. Among the early beneficiaries were Indian nationals with STEM master’s degrees. In the program’s first three years, the number of Indian doctoral students in Canada rose sharply, while U.S. enrollment in the same fields fell by more than a third. This shift is linked in part to the United States maintaining stringent visa policies for skilled workers, a factor that many observers believe deters some highly qualified professionals from seeking opportunities in the United States. There has long been concern that IT specialists might enter the country on tourist visas and work illegally, a risk often cited in debates about visa policy.
The United States made headlines when discussions arose about broadening access for Russians to skilled professions, paired with smoother visa processes, but congressional decisions halted these proposals. A growing chorus in the United States favors a more permissive stance toward high-skilled foreign specialists as a means to preserve competitiveness, particularly against China. Industry leaders have warned that shortages in skilled labor could hinder major sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing and advanced technologies, if talent flows are not managed more flexibly. Observers point to statements by technology leaders who argue that easier visa policies would help the United States sustain its innovation edge. The broader concern is the underinvestment in domestic STEM education and the risk of talent shortages over the next decade.
International student inflows remain prominent in the talent equation. In the United States, international students constitute a large share of graduate enrollments in computer science programs and often pursue paths toward work authorization after graduation. The H-1B visa process, however, is subject to an annual lottery, limiting chances for many applicants despite qualifications. China reportedly attracts a wide range of researchers and educators, not only its own citizens but diverse international talent, contributing to the country’s growing research ecosystem.
OECD rankings consistently show that New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, and Norway are perceived as highly attractive destinations for foreign talent. When considering foreign entrepreneurship, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Norway, and New Zealand appear at the top, while the United States often leads in attracting foreign students. Many experts argue that a more humane and pragmatic visa policy could improve the U.S. standing across multiple indicators. The flow of skilled labor has become a defining feature of the global economy, with migrant numbers increasing steadily in recent decades and reaching hundreds of millions worldwide during the pandemic, underscoring the scale of talent movements today.
Artificial intelligence remains a focal area for talent competition. Demand for AI specialists has grown substantially, and even the most advanced economies report shortages. Estimates suggest that while the United States faces substantial demand, China envisions millions of opportunities in AI-related fields. The Russian government has signaled intentions to reform its talent programs, transferring oversight from the interior ministry to other ministries to better align with growth and innovation goals. The broader rationale is to channel highly qualified minds into sectors critical for modernization while avoiding labor market distortions.
Russia has operated a citizen resettlement program for over 15 years, drawing hundreds of thousands of entrants. Critics note that this program has not always favored highly skilled professionals, with concerns about the distribution of labor across unskilled and mechanization-lacking roles. The discussion surrounding attracting talent emphasizes policies that encourage displacement with sensible support, including relocation assistance and a reasonable stipend during transition, alongside political choices that promote merit over ethnicity. Many argue that institutions should treat high qualification as the primary driver, rather than identity categories, a stance reflected in how countries attract researchers and skilled workers from all regions. It is suggested that successful examples from other nations show that diverse, educated professionals contribute most when opportunities are accessible regardless of nationality. A well-managed approach could eventually help reduce the technology gap and support the growth of domestic capabilities.
In this broader context, discussions about openness to foreign talent do not deny national security concerns or geopolitical realities. Rather, they advocate for policies that make the country a convincing destination for people who can contribute to innovation, science, and industry. The goal is a society that welcomes capable individuals and offers pathways that reflect merit, mobility, and opportunity. This perspective emphasizes that attracting talent is not merely about money but about creating a framework that enables people to thrive and participate in the country’s development—an approach that could shape future policy and national resilience. The author’s perspective here reflects personal interpretation and is not necessarily shared by all editors. [citation]