Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Indian Student Applications to US Colleges Fall Amid Visa Rules
Fewer Indian students are applying to colleges in the United States.
Their applications fell 15% in one academic year.
Applications from international students overall also fell 10% for the next undergraduate admission year.
Reports connect the change to stricter visa rules and uncertainty about working in the United States after graduation.
New rules set a four-year maximum stay for certain student and visitor visas.
The US is also considering a $100,000 fee for some students who want to work through Optional Practical Training.
Applications dropped much more at less-selective colleges than at highly selective ones.
Fewer international students could mean less money for colleges, businesses and local communities.
One estimate says local spending could fall by $3.4 billion and affect about 39,000 jobs.
Applications from Indian students to US colleges fell 15% in 2025-26 from the previous year, according to Common App.
International undergraduate applications fell 10% through March 1 for 2026-27, the steepest decline recorded by Common App.
Applications declined about 1% at highly selective institutions but roughly 21% at colleges with acceptance rates above 75%.
NAFSA and JB International estimate international-student registrations could fall from 11.69 lakh in 2025-26 to 10.57 lakh in 2026-27.
Visa restrictions, OPT uncertainty, rising costs and a possible $100,000 fee are cited as concerns, with potential economic losses for US communities.
- Who
- Indian and other international students applying to or enrolling at US colleges and universities.
- What
- Applications from Indian students and international students overall have declined, while projected international-student registrations are also lower.
- When
- The figures cover 2024-25 through 2026-27; the reports were published on August 25, 2026.
- Where
- Colleges and universities in the United States.
- Why
- The reports associate the decline with tighter immigration policies, visa uncertainty, higher costs and concerns about post-study work options.
- Indian application decline
- Applications from Indian students fell 15% in 2025-26 compared with the previous year.
- International application decline
- International undergraduate applications fell 10% through March 1 for 2026-27, according to Common App.
- Selectivity gap
- Applications fell about 1% at highly selective institutions and around 21% at institutions with acceptance rates above 75%.
- Projected registrations
- NAFSA and JB International estimate registrations will decline from 11.69 lakh in 2025-26 to 10.57 lakh in 2026-27.
- Indian enrollment
- More than 3.63 lakh Indian students enrolled in US programs during 2024-25.
- Economic contribution
- International students contributed an estimated $41.77 billion to the US economy in 2025-26, projected to fall to $38.37 billion in 2026-27.
- Visa and OPT proposals
- The US announced a four-year maximum stay for certain student and visitor visas and is considering a $100,000 fee for some OPT users.
- Potential local impact
- One estimate projects a $3.4 billion decline in local spending and an impact on about 39,000 jobs.
Sources
15% Decline In Indian Students Seeking Undergraduate Courses In US: Report
US Sees 15% Drop In Indian Student Applicants In 2025-26 Amid Tighter Visa Rules
Indian student applications to US colleges fall 15% amid visa restrictions
Indian students’ US college applications drop 15% as visa rules tighten
US colleges see 15 per cent drop in Indian student applicants amid tighter immigration rules: Report - Telegraph India
Indian student applications to US colleges fall 15% amid visa uncertainty
15% Decline in Indian Students Seeking Admission to Undergraduate Courses in US: Report
Visa curbs trigger 15% fall in Indian applications to US colleges
Indian Students' US College Applications Drop 15% Amid Tightening Immigration Rules: Report
