Countries are tightening the rules that universities rely on to recruit faculty and students. The U.S. proclamation introducing a $100,000 fee on certain new H‑1B petitions has prompted universities to re‑evaluate hiring plans for foreign faculty and researchers; higher‑education attorneys and immigration advocates warn the policy could deter global talent critical to research and instruction. Colleges are still parsing exemptions and application mechanics as guidance evolves. Australia moved in parallel with a ministerial directive that creates a “third, slower lane” in student‑visa processing for providers that exceed allocation quotas, while prioritizing visa adjudication for institutions below thresholds. The policy aims to rebalance international enrollments but will slow approvals for campuses that overenrolled in recent years. Both moves force institutional strategy shifts: universities must rethink recruitment pipelines, contingency enrolment plans and international partnerships in a tighter regulatory environment.