US Student Visa Crisis: Indian Approvals Hit Covid-Era Low

US Student Visa Crisis: The US student visa drop for Indians has taken a concerning turn this year, as the number of F-1 visas issued between March and May hit its lowest point since the pandemic. According to fresh data from the US State Department, only 9,906 F-1 academic visas were issued to Indian students during this period — a sharp 27% decline compared to the same window last year.

This dip marks a significant disruption in what is typically the busiest season for aspiring international students gearing up for the Fall semester in August or September. The visa slowdown is more than just a seasonal hiccup — it’s the result of a multi-layered shift in US immigration policy and political sentiment, especially under the Trump administration’s renewed hardline stance on international enrolments.

US Student Visa Crisis: A Decline Despite Past Momentum

In 2023, the US issued 14,987 F-1 visas to Indian students during the March-May period, following 13,478 in 2022. Even in 2022 — a year marked by global travel recovery post-COVID — visa issuance figures outpaced this year’s numbers. The sharp contraction has raised alarms across education consultancies, visa advisory services, and student communities in India.

The US student visa crisis for Indians is especially surprising considering the overall rise in Indian student enrollments over the last few years. For the 2023–24 academic year, Indians became the largest group of international students in the United States, surpassing the Chinese for the first time, as per Open Doors 2024 data.

Crackdown on Students and New Vetting Protocols

The slowdown in visa approvals coincides with a series of recent US policy shifts. Several F-1 visas — including those issued to Indian students — have been revoked in connection with pro-Palestine protests or encounters with law enforcement. These revocations have prompted multiple lawsuits and sparked debate on free expression and immigration rights within academic settings.

From May 27 to June 18 this year, US consular posts paused fresh visa application scheduling as part of a broader initiative to tighten background checks, with a particular focus on applicants’ social media activity.

In a May report, Politico revealed that the Trump administration directed consular sections to halt new interviews as it mulled over a mandatory social media screening protocol. By June, the US Embassy in New Delhi had begun advising F, M, and J visa applicants to ensure their social media profiles were publicly accessible — a move that many see as intrusive and ambiguous.

US Student Visa Crisis: Universities in a Bind

The visa turbulence comes at a time when American universities are already grappling with budget cuts, shifting foreign policy priorities, and heightened scrutiny of their international enrollment strategies. Institutions that have long relied on Indian students for both cultural exchange and financial stability now face uncertainty about future intakes.

An education consultant based in Hyderabad observed, “We’re seeing a ripple effect — not just in visa issuance, but in student confidence. Families are second-guessing their plans. Many are now considering alternate destinations like Canada, Australia, or Germany.”

US Embassy Responds

Responding to questions about the student visa backlog and increased scrutiny, a US Embassy spokesperson told the media:

“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.”

The statement also emphasised that visa interviews for F category applicants had resumed and that all consular sections continually adjust their schedules to ensure comprehensive background checks.

“We’re working every day to fully vet visa applicants to ensure they do not intend to harm America or our interests,” the spokesperson added. “Applicants must credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought and demonstrate intent to engage in activities consistent with their admission.”

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