# 1.1 lakh fewer foreign students likely in US over visa curbs: Report

2026-08-12T21:10:41+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Stricter US visa rules could slash international student registrations by up to 1.1 lakh by Fall 2026, costing the American economy USD 3.4 billion in local spending and 39,000 jobs, according to a NAFSA report. India is the largest source, with over 3.63 lakh students in the US in 2024-25. Separately, 30 US senators have written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio flagging 'no timely visa appointments' at embassies and consulates for F, M and J visas, threatening on-time arrivals for the fall semester. The NAFSA report attributes the projected decline to restrictive travel policies and a deprioritisation of student visas in favour of FIFA World Cup ticket holders. Graduate-level enrolment is the main driver of the economic hit, the report said.

## Coverage

- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/world/us/stricter-visa-policy-to-hit-international-student-enrolment-in-us-report-4109046>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/30-senators-flag-delays-in-us-visa-appointments-for-indian-students/articleshow/133196005.cms>

Tags: brain drain, higher education, Indian students, international students, NAFSA report, US visa policy
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