Drastic Decrease In US F1 Visas For Indians: Lowest Post-COVID

There has been a significant decrease in the issuance of US Student Visas for Indians this year. As per the data provided by the United States Department of State, there has been a 27% decrease in the issuance of F1 visas to the students in India. Interestingly, the number of visas issued this season is lower than the visas issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reportedly, Trump’s recent decisions on immigrants and new rules in F1 visas have hit the number of visas getting approved.

As the new semesters begin in August-September in the USA, the March-July season will be busy for the US issuing F1 visas for Indian students. However, from March-May this year, only 9,906 F1 visas were issued in India, compared to the 10,894 F1 visas issued in the same season of 2022, after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, 14,987 F1 visas were issued in this season and in 2024, 13,478 visas were issued in this period. In 2023-24, Indian students surpassed China in becoming the highest number of foreign students coming to the US to pursue studies.

Even two weeks after US consulates resumed student visa interviews on June 26, Indian applicants are still facing issues in visa slots. Appointment slots are very limited and delays in processing continue to create uncertainty among applicants. As a result, many students who are planning to travel to the United States for their higher education are now worried about whether they will be able to make it in time for August-September, when the academic semester begins. These factors have left thousands unsure about their future.