VOIWORLD/LAVANYA KUKREJA
As per the U.S. State Department monthly reports, post the Covid years (2020 and 2021), the
number of F-1 US Visas Issued to Indians has been declining rapidly. Usually, the months between
March and July are a busy visa season for the students planning to study abroad. However, this year
only 9,906 U.S. Visas were issued to Indian students between the months of March and May,
depicting a 27% decrease from 2024. This is the lowest number recorded since 2021. The reason
behind the drop in visa numbers are said to be stricter U.S. Visa policies, limited availability and
delays for visa appointments due to which students are unsure if they can join college in time,
thereby prompting them to shift to applying to universities in Europe or Canada. Ordinarily, India is the largest source for international for the universities in the United States. Such a sharp declining rate could have adverse effects on the US university international enrolment, financial health and reputation when being considered for abroad studies. It could also impact theIndian education trends and policy focus on student mobility and immigration. The question is if U.S. Universities will lose appeal for Indian students? And how will it impact the
U.S.- India educational ties?
