US Student Visas Drop Sharply for Indian Students

Indian students faced a steep decline in US student visa approvals during the crucial 2025 admission season. According to a study by the Center for Immigration Studies, US consulates issued 22,149 F-1 student visas to Indians between May and August, compared with 58,694 during the same period in 2024. The figure represents a 62% drop. Chinese student visa approvals also declined, but by a smaller 34%, falling from 61,075 to 40,034.

Despite the fall in approvals, Indian students remained the largest international student group in US institutions. Institute of International Education data shows that 363,019 Indian students enrolled at US colleges and universities during the 2024-25 academic year, compared with 265,919 students from China. The decline comes as the Trump administration tightens immigration policies, including additional scrutiny and proposed changes to the duration-of-status rules for F-1 students. Under the proposed system, students staying beyond four years would need fresh approval. The US is also considering social media screening requirements for foreign journalists applying for visas.