Drop in US F-1 Visas for Indian Students: According to a recent news report that cited data from the US State Department, India is seeing a sharp decline in the number of F-1 student visas that the US is issuing to its students. This is the first significant decline since the post-pandemic spike in international students enrolling in US universities.
According to an Indianexpress.com report, from January to September of this year, 64,008 F-1 visas were granted to Indian students, a 38% decrease from the 1,03,495 visas granted during the same period in 2023.
Drop in US F-1 Visas for Indian Students:
According to the news report, their analysis, which was based on monthly non-immigrant visa reports that are accessible on the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, shows a downward trend after a peak in the number of students traveling to the US for school. During the same nine-month period in 2021, 65,235 visas were granted to Indian students. In 2022, the number rose to 93,181, but in 2024, it fell precipitously.
Previous Year Data
International student mobility was drastically reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, only 6,646 visas were granted. This recent drop may now be a sign of changing patterns in the student migration pipeline between the US and India. This steep decline may be caused by a number of factors, including shifting US immigration laws, growing study abroad expenses, geopolitical unrest, and easier access to domestic higher education options.
Recent statistics show that, according to the news report, 73,781 F-1 visa were granted to Chinese students between January and September of this year, an 8% decrease from the 80,603 visas granted during the same time period in 2023. Despite this drop, the number of visas issued is still higher than the 52,034 that were granted in 2022, indicating a generally stable trend.
Know about the F1 Visa
International students from all over the world can study full-time in the United States with an F-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa. It is the most typical visa status for international students studying in the United States.
Important aspects and Purpose of the US F-1 Visa
- International students can study full-time at recognized American universities with the US F-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa.
- The F-1 visa is intended exclusively for students attending universities, colleges, high schools, conservatories, or vocational schools in order to pursue academic studies.
Requirement & Duration
- Admission to a US institution recognized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a prerequisite.
- Evidence of having enough money to pay for living expenses, tuition, and other costs while studying.
- Desire to return home after finishing your education.
- Good for the entire academic program plus an additional sixty days (referred to as the grace period) to get ready to leave after graduation or program completion.
- The length of the program determines how long it takes (for example, four years for a bachelor’s degree).
Work Eligibility
Under specific circumstances, students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work:
- During the school year or during breaks, working on campus.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Activities associated with the student’s program.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): To obtain real-world experience in the field of study, work for up to a year after graduation.
