Archive · 14 Aug 2026
US foreign student enrolment projected to fall by 1.1 lakh
Every year, many students from other countries come to America to go to college.
A group called NAFSA, which helps international educators, studied new visa rules and what they mean for students.
They think about 1.1 lakh, or 110,000, fewer students will come next year.
That is a very big drop.
When students come, they spend money on school, food, housing and travel, which helps local shops and towns.
If fewer students come, the US could lose about $3.4 billion and around 39,000 jobs.
India sends the most students to the US, so Indian students would be affected the most.
New rules make it harder for students to stay longer than four years, which is tough for students in long doctoral programmes.
Visa offices are also busier because of the FIFA World Cup, so student visas may be delayed.
NAFSA worries that students will choose other countries that are more welcoming, and that America could lose great ideas and talent.
A NAFSA-JB International report projects US international student enrolment will fall from 11.69 lakh in 2025-26 to 10.57 lakh in 2026-27, a drop of about 1.1 lakh students, or 9.5 per cent.
The projected decline could cost the US economy $3.4 billion in local economic activity and put nearly 39,000 jobs at risk.
India remains the largest source of international students, with more than 3.63 lakh Indian students enrolled in the US during 2024-25.
The US Department of State is prioritising visa applications for FIFA World Cup ticket holders over students during the peak travel period.
The Department of Homeland Security finalised a rule last month limiting international students to four years in the US without an extension, affecting doctoral programmes and post-study work options.
- Who
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators and research firm JB International, with NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Fanta Aw commenting on the findings
- What
- A report projects US international student enrolment will fall by about 1.1 lakh students in the 2026-27 academic year due to stricter visa and immigration policies
- When
- Fall 2026 (the 2026-27 academic year); the Department of Homeland Security finalised the four-year student stay rule last month
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Stricter visa rules and policy uncertainty, prioritisation of FIFA World Cup ticket holder visa applications over students, travel restrictions on several countries, and a new four-year limit on student stays
International educators and universities
US government policymakers
Immigration restrictions
International educators and universities
NAFSA warns that stricter visa rules and uncertainty drive international students to more welcoming countries, hurting universities, hospitals, research labs, the economy and America's position as the top destination for global talent.
US government policymakers
The US government restricted visitors from dozens of countries, including Afghanistan and Yemen, citing security concerns, and finalised a rule limiting student stays to four years without an extension.
Visa priority during peak season
International educators and universities
NAFSA notes that historically the US prioritised student and scholar visa applications during the peak period to ensure students arrived on campus on time, a practice that was bypassed this year.
US government policymakers
The US Department of State prioritised visa issuance for FIFA World Cup ticket holders over students during the upcoming peak travel period.
- Projected enrolment decline
- About 1.1 lakh (110,000) international students, or 9.5 per cent
- Projected enrolment 2025-26
- 11.69 lakh students
- Projected enrolment 2026-27
- 10.57 lakh students
- Projected loss in local economic activity
- $3.4 billion
- Jobs at risk
- Nearly 39,000
- International student contribution 2025-26
- $41.77 billion
- Projected contribution 2026-27
- $38.37 billion
- Indian students in US 2024-25
- More than 3.63 lakh
