Now Reading: 1.1 lakh fewer foreign students likely in US over visa curbs: Report
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1.1 lakh fewer foreign students likely in US over visa curbs: Report
1.1 lakh fewer foreign students likely in US over visa curbs: Report
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
The usual finger-pointing at US policy is easy, but Indian students and their families also need to look closer home. Every visa delay or restriction feeds the narrative that the US is shutting its doors, yet countries like Canada and Australia are actively courting the same talent. India remains the largest source, but its universities still struggle to retain these students. The real test will come when the Fall 2026 enrolment numbers are published. Will India seize the moment to upgrade its own higher education, or will it just keep complaining about someone else's visa queue?
Sources (2): deccanherald.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
