Context : In February 2025, the U.S. issued 30% fewer student visas to Indians compared to the same month in 2024 — the sharpest decline among top source countries. This comes amid rising visa denials and terminations affecting international students, especially from India.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
- 30% Decline for Indian Students:
- In February 2025, F-1 visas issued to Indian students fell from 590 (2024) to 411, marking a 30% drop.
- This is the steepest drop among the top four countries sending students to the U.S.
- Global Context:
- Overall student visas (F-1) dropped by only 4.75%.
- Declines for others:
- China: 5.2%
- Japan: 9.6%
- Vietnam: 7.4%
- Visa Wait Times Disparity:
- Indian students face longest wait times — 58 days in Delhi.
- Comparatively lower in:
- Tokyo: 15 days
- Beijing & Hanoi: 2 days
Concerning Trends
- Unprecedented Visa Terminations:
- Over 1,100 students, including many Indians, had visas revoked without clear reasons.
- Reported in 170+ colleges across the U.S.
- Legal challenges filed, e.g., by Manikanta Pasula and Chinmay Deore.
- Indian Govt’s Shift in Stance:
- Initially urged students to “follow the law.”
- Now offering legal support and advising pursuit of legal remedies.
Wider Structural Issues
- High Rejection Rates Post-COVID:
- Post-pandemic visa surge led to rising denials.
- 2024 F-1 visa denial rate: 41%
- All other visa denial rate: 22.1%
- Sharp divergence in rejection rates compared to pre-COVID years.
- Long-Term Visa Denial Data:
- From 2013 to 2021: denial rates for F-1 and other visas were comparable.
- From 2022–24: growing gap; over 500,000 students denied visas in just two years.
India-Specific Implications
- Impact on Global Education Mobility:
- India is a major source of international students — this trend threatens educational aspirations.
- Could shift preference toward Canada, Australia, Europe.
- Brain Drain & Soft Power:
- Reduced access to U.S. education could affect India’s tech workforce pipeline and diaspora diplomacy.
- Economic Consequences:
- Indian students contribute significantly to U.S. universities’ revenue.
- A sharp drop could prompt a revaluation of bilateral education policies.
Geopolitical Angle
- Possible Impact of Trump’s Return:
- The sharp drop coincides with Trump’s second term beginning.
- Suggests early signs of tighter immigration control or protectionist policy resurgence.
