F-1 visa issuance to Indian students drops 27% between March and May: Is the US losing its appeal?
The number of Indian students heading to the United States for higher education has seen a surprising dip this year, with F-1 student visa issuances falling by 27% between March and May compared to the same period in 2024. According to data from the US State Department, only 9,906 F-1 visas were issued to Indian students during this time: down from 13,478 last year, and lower than even the post-pandemic recovery year of 2022, when 10,894 visas were granted.This drop has raised concerns among students, education consultants, and institutions on both sides of the globe, especially as the March-to-July window is typically a peak visa season for Fall semester intakes. The decline suggests not only a backlog or procedural slowdown, but also a potential shift in sentiment toward US education.
Why the sudden drop?
The fall in visa numbers is being attributed to a mix of administrative delays, increased scrutiny of applicants, and temporary suspensions of new interview appointments. Between May 27 and June 18, US consular offices paused scheduling new F-1 visa interviews to introduce enhanced vetting measures. These included mandatory social media background checks: a move that some believe may have discouraged or delayed applicants.In a policy advisory, the US Embassy in New Delhi even suggested that students make their social media profiles public to ease the screening process. This new layer of evaluation, while framed as a national security measure, has left many prospective students feeling uneasy or vulnerable.Adding to the concern is the growing number of anecdotal reports of visa denials, especially for students with past activism records or minor police interactions, including participation in pro-Palestine demonstrations. Although not officially cited as a reason for rejection, the timing of these developments has led to speculation about increased political and ideological screening.
Students caught in uncertainty
For Indian students, who now represent the largest group of international students in the US, surpassing even Chinese students in 2023–24 according to the Open Doors report, the sharp dip in visa issuance comes as a major disruption in planning. Many had received university offers and completed financial documentation but found themselves scrambling for visa appointments or facing unexpected delays in the approval process.Educational consultants across India report a noticeable rise in student anxiety and rescheduling of travel and academic plans. Some are even considering deferring their admission or switching to destinations like Canada, Australia, or Germany, countries perceived as more predictable in visa processing and less intrusive in personal data checks.
Is US education losing its shine?
Despite the current setback, the long-term appeal of US education remains strong among Indian students. The US continues to offer globally recognised institutions, strong STEM programs, research opportunities, and career pathways, especially through the OPT (Optional Practical Training) route. However, the perception of the US as a reliable and welcoming destination may take a hit if delays and unpredictability persist.There is also growing awareness among Indian families about alternate global education options that offer comparable value with fewer procedural hurdles. Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia have aggressively expanded their post-study work rights and streamlined visa processes in recent years, making them increasingly attractive.
What’s next?
The US Embassy has stated that consular operations are adjusting regularly to meet security and screening standards, and that students should apply early and monitor embassy websites for appointment updates. Whether the slowdown this year is temporary or part of a longer-term trend remains to be seen.As students prepare for the Fall semester, many are no longer just wondering whether they’ll get into a US university, they’re also questioning whether they’ll receive their visa in time and if the process is still worth the stress.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
