The United States has witnessed a significant 38% drop in F-1 student visas issued to Indian students during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
According to official statistics, the number of student visas issued by the US during the January-September period in recent years shows a significant contrast. In 2021, 65,235 visas were issued, followed by 93,181 in 2022 and a record-breaking 1,03,495 in 2023.
However, 2024 has seen a steep drop, with only 64,008 visas issued, effectively returning to levels observed three years ago.
Several factors may have contributed to this decline, including administrative delays, the rising cost of US education, a strong dollar, and growing competition from countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, which offer more favorable immigration and cost advantages.
The drop has implications for US universities, which benefit financially and culturally from Indian students.
It also signals a shift in Indian students’ preferences, potentially impacting the strong educational and economic ties between the two nations.
Both governments and educational institutions must address these challenges by clarifying visa policies and creating better pathways for international students to thrive, ensuring the long-term appeal of studying abroad remains intact.