Visa decline has emerged as a major concern for Indian students planning to study in the United States, with F-1 visa issuances dropping to their lowest for the March to May period since the pandemic. According to recent data from the US State Department, the number of academic (F-1) visas granted to Indian nationals during these three months saw a sharp 27 percent fall compared to the same period in 2024.
This year, only 9,906 F-1 visas were issued between March and May, compared to 14,987 in 2023 and 13,478 in 2024. Even in 2022 — a year when international travel had just resumed post-COVID — the number was higher at 10,894. The March to July period typically marks the busiest time for student visa processing, as applicants prepare for the Fall academic intake starting in August or September.
Stricter Scrutiny Under Trump Administration
The current visa decline is closely tied to the Trump administration’s renewed focus on international students. A series of visa revocations have been reported, many involving students — including Indians — linked to pro-Palestine protests or those with minor law enforcement interactions. In late May, a two-week pause on new visa applications was enforced to introduce tighter checks, especially around social media activity.
In May, Politico reported that US embassies were ordered to halt student visa interview scheduling, as the administration considered mandatory social media vetting. By June, the US Embassy in New Delhi asked applicants for F, M, and J visas to make their social media accounts public to facilitate this process.
Visa Suspensions Trigger Legal Pushback
These changes have sparked lawsuits and growing unease among prospective students and universities. Institutions across the US are also facing budget cuts and increased scrutiny over the rising number of international students, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Despite these developments, Indian students still form the largest international student community in the US. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, Indians surpassed Chinese students in the 2023–24 academic year to become the biggest group of international learners in the country.
Fall in Visa Numbers Extends Beyond Summer
The current slowdown is part of a broader downward trend. From January to September 2024, only 64,008 F-1 visas were granted to Indian students — a steep drop from 1.03 lakh in 2023 and 93,181 in 2022.
When questioned about the reasons behind this year’s decline — whether due to fewer applications, higher rejection rates, or administrative delays — a US Embassy spokesperson emphasized that national security remains paramount. “We encourage applicants to apply early and allow for additional processing time,” the spokesperson said, noting that consular sections have resumed scheduling interviews for non-immigrant visas in the F category.
Advice for Indian Applicants
The Embassy reiterated that all visa applications are carefully reviewed to meet eligibility and safety standards. “We are committed to fully vetting all applicants to ensure they do not pose a risk and that their intentions match the purpose of the visa,” the official added.
For Indian students, these developments mean more preparation, longer wait times, and an added emphasis on transparency. While the US continues to offer top-tier education opportunities, the road to securing a student visa in 2025 may now be more challenging than before.
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