New US visa rule requires Indian students to use valid passport info when booking appointments, aiming to curb fraud and ensure secure application processes.
For thousands of Indian students dreaming of studying in the United States, there’s a new visa rule to keep in mind. Starting November 27, the U.S. is rolling out stricter guidelines that will directly affect how student visa applicants—specifically those applying for F, M, and J visas—book their appointments.
The new policy requires applicants to provide accurate passport information at the time of profile creation and visa appointment scheduling. While this may sound procedural, it carries serious consequences: any appointment made using a fake or incorrect passport number will be canceled, and the visa application fee will be forfeited.
The U.S. Embassy in India made it clear—this move is aimed at cracking down on misuse of the appointment system and eliminating fraudulent applications. In recent years, growing demand for U.S. student visas has led to cases of multiple or manipulated bookings, sometimes made with the help of agents using inauthentic details to secure slots. This step is meant to ensure that only genuine, eligible candidates are occupying appointment slots in an already overburdened system.
So, what happens if a student enters the wrong passport details by mistake? There’s still a path forward. They will need to either update their current profile with the correct passport number or create a fresh one. However, if their visa fee receipt is tied to the incorrect profile, they’ll need to pay again and generate a new receipt.
For students who’ve recently renewed their passports or had one replaced due to loss or theft, the embassy has allowed some flexibility. They can still attend their appointment by presenting a photocopy or documentation of their old passport to verify the transition.
While the move may feel like a hurdle for some, it’s part of a broader initiative to bring transparency, fairness, and security to the visa process. With demand for U.S. education at an all-time high, officials believe it’s essential to protect appointment integrity and ensure timely access for genuine applicants.
Indian Students in the U.S. Hit All-Time High
This change in the visa application process comes at a time when more Indian students than ever are choosing the United States for higher education. According to the Open Doors Report 2023, over 2.68 lakh Indian students were enrolled in U.S. institutions during the 2022–2023 academic year—a record-breaking number that reflects a 35% year-over-year increase.
For the first time in over a decade, India has overtaken China as the top source of international graduate students in the U.S., with 165,936 Indian graduate students—a stunning 63% jump from the previous year. Indian undergraduate enrollment also grew by 16%, showing increasing interest in U.S. universities even at earlier stages of higher education.
Notably, Indian students also lead the world in Optional Practical Training (OPT) participation—a work permit program that allows international students to gain real-world experience related to their field of study. In 2022–2023, 69,062 Indian students took part in OPT, further underlining the importance of the U.S. as a launchpad for global careers.
More Than a Rule—A Reflection of Growing Ties
Between June and August 2023, the U.S. Embassy and consulates in India issued over 95,000 student visas, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. The spike reflects not just a rising demand, but also a growing confidence in the U.S. education system among Indian families.
These new rules may feel like red tape at first glance, but they serve a larger purpose—ensuring fairness and keeping the system accessible for the students who genuinely deserve the opportunity. In a world where education is increasingly global, such safeguards are not just necessary, but responsible.
As U.S.-India educational ties deepen, students are advised to stay informed, follow official channels, and prepare their documents carefully. For the thousands lining up to live their American dream, it’s one more step on a journey worth taking.
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