Foreign job seeker interest in US jobs has plummeted, Indeed says

International job seeker curiosity in U.S. jobs — as measured by the share of job advert clicks from different nations — has dropped by 29% over the previous 12 months, according to a May 13 report from Certainly.

Curiosity in U.S. jobs peaked at 2.4% in August 2023 and held comparatively regular via the 2024 election, however then quickly dropped to 1.7% by March 2025.

“The decline comes as immigration insurance policies tighten globally and the U.S. labor market cools,” in accordance with the report. “This drop may have actual financial penalties, particularly for sectors like healthcare and building that rely closely on immigrant labor. Fewer clicks as we speak may imply fewer employees tomorrow, doubtlessly deepening labor shortages in industries already beneath pressure.”

Practically 20% of U.S. employees are thought of foreign-born as of March 2025, up from 16.7% in June 2020, highlighting the essential position that immigrants play within the labor power, Certainly reported. The inflow of migrants, which reached a peak of greater than 1 million in 2023, possible stabilized an overheated post-pandemic labor market, the report discovered, notably amid nationwide workforce shortages and wage progress.

Though long-term results stay unknown, the latest decline in overseas job seeker curiosity may have an effect on the U.S. labor market, productiveness and financial progress, Certainly reported. In consequence, labor shortages may turn out to be extra pronounced and inflation may rise, notably associated to sectors that depend on overseas employees.

For example, whereas immigrants make up 20% of the U.S. workforce, they comprise 30% of building employees, 26% of physicians and surgeons and 40% of dwelling well being aides.

Amid immigration crackdowns within the U.S., employers are scrambling to solve worker shortages, employer-side attorneys informed HR Dive. Ongoing adjustments from the Trump administration could chill employers’ expertise operations, they stated, particularly with a scarcity of readability and element round immigration insurance policies and enforcement.

Though the labor market has cooled to date this 12 months, recruiters may face numerous talent challenges in 2025 that may very well be exacerbated by immigration adjustments, specialists informed HR Dive. Decrease immigration ranges may result in financial contraction in sure industries, together with know-how and healthcare, and result in job loss for all employees, they stated.