Now Reading: Indian student applications to US fall 15% amid visa squeeze
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Indian student applications to US fall 15% amid visa squeeze
Indian student applications for undergraduate courses in the US dropped 15% in the 2025-26 academic year, the steepest decline on record, according to a report by Common App. The overall number of…
Indian student applications for undergraduate courses in the US dropped 15% in the 2025-26 academic year, the steepest decline on record, according to a report by Common App. The overall number of international applicants fell 10% through March 1. India remains the largest source of international students, with over 3.63 lakh enrolled in 2024-25.
International students contributed $41.77 billion to the US economy in Fall 2025-26, projected to fall to $38.37 billion in 2026-27. The decline follows tighter US immigration rules, including a cap on student visa stays at four years, and a proposed $100,000 fee on students using the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.
NAFSA and JB International estimate international student registrations will drop from 11.69 lakh in 2025-26 to 10.57 lakh in Fall 2026. The US government has not finalised the OPT fee proposal.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both The Hindu and Assam Tribune report the same facts, attributing the 15% drop to tightening immigration policies and potential new fees. Neither source frames the decline as a failure of US policy or a crisis for Indian students, the coverage is neutral reportage, citing data from Common App, NAFSA, and JB International. The articles foreground the economic contribution of international students, which is projected to fall by over $3 billion. The next figure to watch is the final decision on the $100,000 OPT fee, expected later this year.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): thehindu.com (neutral report), assamtribune.com (neutral report)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
