New Delhi: The number of F-1 student visas issued by the United States to Indian nationals fell sharply during the main admission season in 2025, according
to a report by the Centre for Immigration Studies. The decline may concern students planning to study at American colleges, where India is now the largest source of international learners.
The US issued 22,149 F-1 visas to Indians between May and August 2025. This was 62 per cent lower than the 58,694 visas issued during the same four months in 2024. It was also 60 per cent below the average recorded during 2017 to 2019 and 2021 to 2024.
Chinese student visas fall by 34 per cent
Chinese applicants saw a major decline too. The US issued 40,034 F-1 visas to Chinese nationals between May and August 2025, down from 61,075 in the same period of 2024.
The report excluded 2020 from its comparison as student visa processing was badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
May to August is a key period for applicants. Most students seek visas during these months before the academic year begins. In 2024, around 77 per cent of F-1 visas for Indians and 76 per cent for Chinese nationals were issued during this window.
India and China dominate foreign student numbers
Data cited from the Institute of International Education showed that the US hosted 3,63,019 Indian students during the 2024-25 academic year. China accounted for another 2,65,919 students.
Together, India and China represented 53 per cent of the 11,77,766 foreign students enrolled at US institutions.
The numbers also show how closely education and employment are linked. Around 1,43,740 Indian graduates and 61,981 Chinese graduates were working through the Optional Practical Training programme during 2024-25.
Report links visa fall with OPT workforce
OPT allows international students to work in the US after completing their studies. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates can receive longer work permission through STEM OPT.
The CIS report argued that fewer student arrivals could reduce the number of foreign graduates entering the US workforce. It also claimed that the decline could benefit American students and address security concerns.
