F-1 visas for Indian students dip to lowest March–May level in three years

The number of US student visas granted to Indians between March and May 2025 has dropped to its lowest level for these months since the Covid-19 pandemic. March to July is traditionally a peak period for student visa processing, as applicants gear up for the start of the Fall semester in August or September.

There was a 27% decline compared to the corresponding period in 2024, according to recently released data from the US State Department.

While the steep drop may seem like a direct result of US President Donald Trump's return to the White House, the full picture is more nuanced.

In February, which was the first month of Donald Trump's presidency, the number of F-1 visas issued to Indians saw a 30% dip compared to the same month the previous year. The visa numbers dropped to 411, down from 590 in February 2024.

Between March and May this year, just 9,906 F-1 (academic) visas were issued to Indian students. It's a fall from the 14,987 visas granted during the same period in 2023, and the 10,894 visas issued in 2022, when global travel was only beginning to rebound after pandemic-era shutdowns, according to a report in The Indian Express, citing US data.

According to data from the US State Department, the number of F-1 student visas granted to Indians rose steadily from around 42,000 in FY 2018 to 86,000 in FY 2024.

However, these figures are significantly lower than the 1.31 lakh student visas issued in 2023 and the 1.15 lakh issued in 2022 — suggesting that the slowdown began well before Trump's comeback.

The US has been a top choice for students worldwide, and it is known for its strong education system, career opportunities, and potential for a better future.

Notably, in 2024, Indian students surpassed Chinese students to become the biggest cohort of international students in the US, according to The Open Doors Report for 2023-24, published by the Institute of Education (IIE).

US EMBASSY SPOKESPERSON ON STUDENT VISAS

When questioned about the decline in visa issuances this year — whether student applications have decreased or rejection rates have risen, and if interviews for student visa applicants are being scheduled — a spokesperson from the US Embassy told The Indian Express: "The adjudication of visa applications is critically important to the national security and public safety of the US. We encourage applicants to apply as early as they can and to anticipate additional processing time for these visa categories."

"Our overseas posts have resumed scheduling F non-immigrant visa applications. Applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability," the spokesperson added.

"Consular sections constantly adjust their schedules to allow for sufficient time to fully vet the cases to ensure our visa operations around the world meet the highest standards. We're working every day to fully vet visa applicants to ensure they do not intend to harm America or our interests, and that they credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms of their admission," the newspaper quoted the embassy spokesperson as saying.

The US Department of State initiated a rigorous review of international students' activities, both on-campus and online.

The Trump's administration last month ordered all of its consulates worldwide to stop new student visa interviews and exchanging visitor visa applicants, with the move being a part of a broader State Department plan to update its social media vetting for all international students to study in American universities. The US resumed processing of student visa applications this month following a two-week pause.

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