Indian Students Get Only 22,149 US F-1 Visas in Peak Months

The U.S. issued 22,149 F-1 student visas to Indian nationals between May and August 2025, down from 58,694 in the same period last year, according to data compiled by a leading education consultancy.

The decline comes as U.S. authorities have tightened background checks and documentation requirements for student visa applicants, with a particular focus on verifying financial solvency and academic intent.

Policy changes at the federal level, including restrictions on work-linked pathways such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), have also made the U.S. a less attractive destination for Indian students, who often rely on post-study work opportunities to offset education costs.

The drop is expected to impact U.S. universities that have increasingly depended on international student tuition, as Indian students constitute the second-largest group of foreign enrollees after China.

Indian applicants are now turning to alternative destinations, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, which have streamlined visa processes and offer clearer post-graduation work routes.