Indian Students Hit Hard as US College Applications Decline

Indian students are facing a sharp decline in U.S. college applications as F-1 student visa issuances have plummeted by up to 62%. The drop comes amid extended visa processing delays, stricter immigration policies, and growing anxieties over the Optional Practical Training program.

The decline marks a significant shift for one of the largest sources of international students in the United States. Indian students have long been a key demographic for U.S. universities, particularly in STEM fields.

Visa processing delays have worsened in recent months, with wait times stretching to several months at U.S. consulates in India. Stricter immigration policies and uncertainty about the OPT program, which allows graduates to work temporarily in the U.S., have further deterred applicants.

The trend has raised concerns among U.S. universities that rely on international student enrollment for tuition revenue and campus diversity. Many institutions are now stepping up recruitment efforts in other countries to offset the decline from India.

The drop in Indian student applications also reflects broader challenges in U.S.-India educational ties, as students increasingly consider alternative destinations such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.