The Migration of International Graduates: Intentions, Outcomes, and Implications

International students comprise an important segment of the global migrant community, yet their migration motivations, intentions, and outcomes have been understudied. Whereas past research largely considers international students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields; potential migration plans; and economic factors, this study examines international theological graduates, actual migration outcomes, and additional factors not studied. In all, 405 international students, who entered the United States to pursue advanced academic studies and graduated during 1983-2013, were surveyed. Factors related to their current geographic residence and a composite stay rate for this population are assessed. The influence of gender, length of study abroad, the economic condition of and number of visits to the country of origin, and original migration intention upon entry is evaluated for their predictive value for migration outcomes. Implications of this research are relevant for governments, educational institutions, and community organizations that wish to impact return migration or immigration for highly educated and skilled foreign-born graduates