Decline in F-1 Visas for Indian Students in the US Signals Shifting Trends

India is experiencing a substantial decline in the number of F-1 student visas issued to its students by the United States, as per an analysis of US State Department data cited in a news report. This marks the first significant drop since the post-pandemic recovery in international students attending American universities.

From January to September this year, 64,008 F-1 visas were granted to Indian students, representing a 38% decrease from the same period in 2023 when 1,03,495 visas were issued, according to Indianexpress.com. The analysis, based on monthly non-immigrant visa reports available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website, reveals a clear downward trend after a peak in student migration to the US for higher education.

In 2021, the same nine-month period saw 65,235 F-1 visas issued to Indian students. This figure rose to 93,181 in 2022 but has plummeted sharply in 2024. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the number dropped dramatically, with only 6,646 visas issued in 2020. Following the pandemic, as universities reopened, there was a significant recovery in international student mobility. However, the recent decline may indicate changing dynamics in the US-India student migration corridor.

Several factors may contribute to this sharp decline. The report highlights changing US immigration policies, increasing costs associated with studying abroad, geopolitical tensions, and greater access to quality higher education opportunities within India as possible reasons.

Chinese students have also experienced a decline in F-1 visas, though the drop has been less severe. The analysis shows that from January to September this year, 73,781 visas were issued to Chinese students, marking an 8% decrease from the 80,603 visas granted during the same period in 2023. Despite the decline, the figure remains higher than the 52,034 visas issued in 2022, suggesting a relatively steady trend for Chinese students.

Key Features of the US F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa specifically designed for international students who wish to pursue full-time studies at accredited institutions in the United States. Below are some essential aspects of the F-1 visa:

Purpose:

The F-1 visa is intended for students enrolled in academic programs at institutions such as universities, colleges, high schools, conservatories, or vocational schools.

Requirements:

To qualify for an F-1 visa, applicants must:

• Gain admission to a US school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs during their study period.
• Demonstrate intent to return to their home country upon completing their studies.

Duration:

The F-1 visa is valid for the duration of the academic program, with an additional 60-day grace period after graduation or program completion to allow students to prepare for departure. The total duration depends on the program’s length, such as four years for a bachelor’s degree.

Work Eligibility:

While primarily focused on academics, F-1 visa holders have limited work opportunities under specific conditions:

• On-campus employment during the academic term or breaks.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which involves work directly related to the student’s field of study.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work for up to 12 months after completing their studies to gain practical experience in their area of expertise.

The ongoing decline in F-1 visas issued to Indian students underscores potential shifts in global student mobility trends and may prompt further analysis of the factors influencing these changes. While Chinese students also face a decline, their numbers appear more stable, highlighting differing patterns in international student migration.