New Delhi, Aug 6:
The number of US student visas issued to Indian nationals saw a sharp 62% decline during the peak May–August 2025 admissions season, according to a recent analysis.
Data showed that only 22,149 F-1 visas were granted to Indian students during the period, down from 58,694 in 2024. The drop was significantly steeper than that for Chinese students, whose visa approvals fell by 34% year-on-year.
The decline comes despite India continuing to be the largest source of international students in the United States, with over 3.63 lakh Indians enrolled in American institutions during the 2024–25 academic year.
Experts attribute the sharp fall to stricter immigration rules introduced under former US President Donald Trump, including limits on visa duration, tighter post-study work norms and reduced flexibility for students.
The report warned that the trend could impact future enrolment, as well as the flow of international graduates into the US workforce, particularly under programmes like Optional Practical Training (OPT), where Indian students form the largest share.