4 days ago
Indian Student Interest in US Falls Amid Visa Uncertainty
Fewer Indian students are choosing to study in the United States.
Consultants estimate that Fall enrollment interest has dropped by as much as 30%.
Official figures also show fewer Indian students arriving on US student visas.
One major concern is a proposed $100,000 fee for a work program called OPT.
OPT lets many international graduates work in the US after finishing school.
Students are also worried that visa rules will become more complicated.
Starting September 15, some F-1 students may receive a fixed end date instead of being admitted for the length of their status.
These changes could make it harder for families to predict the cost and future benefits of a US degree.
Some students may instead look at the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia.
Study-abroad consultants estimate Indian students heading to the US for the Fall intake have declined by up to 30% year over year.
US student-visa arrivals from India fell from 323,652 in 2023-24 to 273,445 in 2024-25 and 183,719 in 2025-26.
Consultants say a proposed $100,000 Optional Practical Training fee could significantly reduce the value of studying in the US.
From September 15, F-1 visa holders are expected to move from duration-of-status admissions to fixed admission periods.
Some education advisers expect students to increasingly consider the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, with larger effects potentially emerging in 2027.
- Who
- Indian students, their families, study-abroad consultants, and US universities are affected.
- What
- Interest and student-visa arrivals from India to the United States have fallen amid uncertainty over visas and post-study work rules.
- Where
- The changes concern Indian students seeking education in the United States.
- When
- The decline spans the August 2023-July 2024, 2024-25, and 2025-26 cycles; further rule changes are expected from September 15, with broader effects potentially felt in 2027.
- Why
- A proposed $100,000 OPT fee, changing admission-period rules, and wider immigration-policy uncertainty may reduce the expected value and predictability of studying there.
Concerned About Long-Term Impact
Cautious About Immediate Effects
Effect of the proposed OPT fee
Concerned About Long-Term Impact
Consultants say a $100,000 charge could fundamentally change the economics of studying in the US, especially for postgraduate students using loans.
Cautious About Immediate Effects
The article does not identify a group arguing that the fee would have no effect, but advisers say students should not let processing uncertainty alone determine a long-term career decision.
Near-term enrollment outlook
Concerned About Long-Term Impact
Consultants warn that immigration uncertainty and less predictable post-study employment could weaken the pipeline of Indian students to US universities.
Cautious About Immediate Effects
Ritika Gupta does not expect a drastic near-term enrollment collapse, although she anticipates students reconsidering US study in future application cycles.
Future destination choices
Concerned About Long-Term Impact
Some advisers expect students to shift toward countries with more predictable post-study work rules.
Cautious About Immediate Effects
The reported shift is described as a possibility whose cumulative impact may not become clear until students begin researching and applying for the 2027 cycle.
Key facts
- Indian arrivals, 2023-24
- 323,652 students on US student visas
- Indian arrivals, 2024-25
- 273,445, down 15.5% from the previous cycle
- Indian arrivals, 2025-26
- 183,719, down 32.8% year over year and 43.2% below 2023-24
- Proposed OPT fee
- $100,000
- Current OPT duration
- Up to 12 months after graduation, with a further 24-month extension for eligible STEM graduates
- F-1 rule change
- From September 15, students are expected to move from duration-of-status admissions to fixed admission periods
- Alternative destinations
- Consultants cited the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia
Quotes
Karunn Kandoi
CEO at Vidysea, a study abroad consultancy
“Although I do not expect drastic changes in enrollment figures in the near term, students will most probably start reconsidering their options in future admissions and explore alternatives like the UK, Canada, and Australia. The cumulative effect could be felt in 2027 when students start making their research and applications about a year in advance.”
financialexpress.com
“The rising level of uncertainty over US immigration and post-study work policies might lead Indian students and their families to exercise extra caution when considering education in the US. A proposed OPT fee could be a significant limiting factor given the importance of post-study work in the overall value offer to international students.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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