The United States is experiencing a notable decline in student visas issued, with Indian students leading the downward trend. This shift has sparked concerns within US academic institutions and among international education experts.
Data indicates a significant drop in F-1 student visas, which are issued to individuals wishing to pursue academic studies in the US. In the first half of the 2025 fiscal year, the total number of F-1 visas issued dipped by 15% compared to the same period in 2024. However, it's important to note that this total remained above pre-pandemic levels. A deeper analysis reveals that the number of F-1 visas issued to Indian students experienced a sharp decline of 44% in the first half of 2025, mirroring trends observed in other major Anglophone destinations. Student arrivals from India also dropped significantly, with a 46.4% decrease in July 2025 and a 44.5% decrease in August 2025 compared to the same months the previous year.
While the decline is most pronounced among Indian students, China, another major source of international students, also experienced a drop. In the first half of 2025, the US issued just over 11,000 F-1 visas to Chinese students, reflecting a 24% year-over-year decrease. However, these numbers align with the totals from 2022 and 2023, suggesting a potential return to more stable levels of demand. Despite the declines in Indian and Chinese student visa issuances, some countries, such as Vietnam, have seen increases. In the first half of 2025, the number of F-1 visas issued to Vietnamese students grew by 20% year-over-year, making them the third-largest student population in the US.
Several factors contribute to this decline. Stricter visa regulations and increased scrutiny are major deterrents. The Trump administration's policies, including mandatory in-person interviews, the potential for social media screening, and a new requirement for students to demonstrate alignment with "American and Western values," have created additional hurdles for international students. Moreover, the replacement of the flexible "duration of status" model with a fixed limit of four years for F, J, and I visas has raised concerns among students in longer programs, who may face difficulties renewing their visas mid-course.
Financial considerations also play a role. The weakening of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has made studying in the US more expensive for Indian students. Additionally, rising anti-immigration sentiment in the West and concerns about post-study work opportunities are influencing students' decisions.
The decline in international student enrollment poses significant financial risks for US colleges and universities. A projected 30-40% drop in new international student enrollment this fall could lead to a $7 billion revenue loss and 60,000 job cuts. This could result in reduced scholarships, fewer course offerings, and larger class sizes for domestic students.
In response to these challenges, some institutions are exploring alternative strategies, such as developing internship programs within India through US-linked companies. These programs would provide Indian students with valuable work experience and connections, aligning with the expectations of US employers.
