Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Indian Undergraduate Applicants to US Fall 15% Amid Visa Uncertainty
Fewer Indian students are applying to study for undergraduate degrees in the United States.
The number of Indian applicants dropped by 15 percent compared with the previous year.
Applications from international students overall fell by 10 percent.
Experts say changing visa rules may be making students and families uncertain.
One proposed rule could limit how long some students can stay in the US.
Another proposal could charge foreign students $100,000 to use a work program after graduation.
International students also bring a lot of money to the US economy.
Because fewer students may enroll, that economic contribution could decrease.
Indian students applying for US undergraduate admission fell 15% in the 2025-26 cycle, according to Common App.
International undergraduate applicants overall declined 10% by March 1, the sharpest fall reported so far.
More than 363,000 Indian students were enrolled in US courses during the 2024-25 academic year.
International students contributed an estimated $41.77 billion to the US economy in Fall 2025-26, projected to fall to $38.37 billion in 2026-27.
Proposed visa and Optional Practical Training changes are raising concerns about the US becoming less attractive to international students.
- Who
- Indian and other international students seeking undergraduate admission to US colleges.
- What
- Applications from Indian students declined 15%, while international applications overall fell 10%.
- When
- The figures cover the 2025-26 application cycle, with data recorded through March 1; projections concern the 2026-27 academic year.
- Where
- United States colleges and universities.
- Why
- The decline is linked in the report to concerns about tighter immigration policies, changing student-visa rules, and uncertainty over post-study work opportunities.
- Indian applicant change
- Applications for US undergraduate admission fell 15% in the 2025-26 cycle.
- International applicant change
- International applicants declined 10% by March 1.
- Indian enrollment
- More than 363,000 Indian students were enrolled in US courses during 2024-25.
- Economic contribution
- International students contributed an estimated $41.77 billion to the US economy in Fall 2025-26.
- Projected contribution
- The contribution is projected to decline to $38.37 billion in 2026-27.
- Projected enrollment decline
- NAFSA and JB International estimated that international registrations could fall by 110,000, from about 1.169 million to 1.057 million.
- Proposed OPT fee
- A proposed measure would charge foreign students $100,000 to use Optional Practical Training.