Archive · 26 Jan 2026
US Tightens Student Visa Rules
The US government has been making it much harder for international students to get and keep their visas.
They have canceled a lot of visas, including about 8,000 student visas, saying some students had problems with the law.
The US has also stopped giving new student visas to people from certain countries and made it harder for everyone to get visas by checking their social media.
This is causing a lot of worry for students who want to study in the US, especially from India.
The US is also thinking about making it harder for students to stay and work after they finish their studies.
This could make it difficult for the US to attract smart students from around the world.
The US has revoked 100,000 visas, including 8,000 student visas, citing criminal activity.
New student visa appointments were halted in May 2025 due to expanded social media screening.
Student visas have been suspended for citizens of 20 countries and partially suspended for 15 others.
The US is considering limiting the duration of stay for international students and ending Optional Practical Training.
Indian students are significantly affected, as they are the largest beneficiaries of Optional Practical Training in STEM fields.
- Who
- International students, particularly Indian students, and US employers
- What
- US tightening student visa rules and revoking visas
- When
- Since May 2025, with recent actions in early 2026
- Where
- US consulates and embassies worldwide, affecting students from various countries
- Why
- Increased scrutiny and crackdown on international students by the Trump administration
- Visa Revocations
- 100,000
- Student Visa Revocations
- 8,000
- Countries with Suspended Student Visas
- 20
- Countries with Partially Suspended Student Visas
- 15
- International Students in the US
- 1.58 million
- Indian Students Benefiting from Optional Practical Training
- 48%
Sources
Why US Consulates In India Have Run Out Of H-1B Interview Dates Till 2027
Top tech workers are choosing India over the US as H‑1B visa chaos pushes skilled talent home
International students face ‘unprecedented’ crackdown in Trump’s first year back in office
Waiting for that H-1B visa to the US? Try your luck in 2027