Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Thirty US Senators Demand Answers on Student Visa Delays
Every year, many students from India and other countries go to the United States to study at colleges and universities.
To study there, they need a special paper called a student visa, and they usually need an appointment at a US embassy to get one.
Lately, students are worried because it has been hard to get these appointments in time.
Some US embassies and consulates have no timely appointments available for students.
Because of this, students might not get their visas before classes start in the fall.
Thirty US senators, including a senator named Alex Padilla, wrote a letter asking the government for answers.
The letter went to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ask why visa appointments are delayed.
The senators said international students help the US a lot, adding nearly $43 billion to local communities and supporting more than 355,000 American jobs.
They also asked questions about new, stricter checks for visa applicants.
The senators want the government to fix the delays so students can start school on time.
Thirty US senators, led by Senator Alex Padilla, wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio seeking an urgent explanation over delays in F, M, and J visa processing.
The senators reported that no timely visa appointments are available for students at several US embassies and consulates ahead of the fall 2026 intake.
International students contributed nearly $43 billion annually and supported more than 355,000 American jobs during the 2024-2025 academic year, according to the senators.
Around 3.6 lakh (360,000) Indian students were studying in the US during the 2024-25 academic year.
The senators also questioned the State Department's enhanced vetting procedures, including online presence reviews, and asked how many applications were refused under them.
- Who
- Senator Alex Padilla and 29 other US senators, who wrote to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on behalf of international students, including those from India.
- What
- The senators demanded an urgent explanation from the State Department over delays in processing F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, and raised questions about enhanced vetting procedures.
- When
- The letter is dated August 11, ahead of the fall 2026 academic intake.
- Where
- United States; delays were reported at several US embassies and consulates.
- Why
- The senators are concerned that visa delays could prevent students and exchange visitors from reaching the US in time for the start of the academic year and could diminish US competitiveness.
- Senators involved
- 30, led by Senator Alex Padilla
- Letter recipient
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Visa categories affected
- F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas
- International student contribution
- Nearly $43 billion annually to local communities
- American jobs supported
- More than 355,000 (2024-2025 academic year)
- Indian students in the US
- Around 3.6 lakh (360,000) during 2024-25
- International students' share of enrollment
- Six percent of the total higher education population
- Enhanced vetting measure
- Online presence reviews for F, M, and J applicants