US Visa Crackdown Triggers Uncertainty: Is America still worth it for Indian students?

The US is the most popular study destination for international students. The total number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities reached an all-time high of more than 1.1 million (1,126,690) in 2023/2024, a 7% increase from the previous academic year. 

The US remains a popular choice for Indian students as well. In 2023–2024, there were 3,31,602 Indian students in the US, a 23% rise from the year before.

But from 2025 onwards, the situation seems to have changed, particularly after the Trump administration’s hard line on international students. The US is revoking student visas and deleting records from the SEVIS system to make their stay in the country illegal.

The US is revoking F-1 student visas and rejecting study visa applications of new students. During the past fiscal year (October 2023–September 2024), 41% of international student visa applications were denied, a ten-year high for US student visa denials. This is nearly double the rejection rate for the 2014 fiscal year.

So, is America still a popular choice for students looking to study abroad, or has its appeal waned? While most study abroad platform professionals agree that the United States remains the most popular destination for Indian students, recent trends are concerning for some.

“The United States continues to be a leading destination for Indian students, especially for STEM programs, but the sentiment is no longer as confident as before. 

The caution mainly stems from the lingering effects of policies introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency. These included tighter immigration rules, uncertainty around H-1B visas, and rhetoric that made international students feel unwelcome,” says Aritra Ghoshal, Founder and Director, OneStep Global. 

But not all parents and students need to worry about the student visa revocations. “Stories about deportations have created anxiety, but in most cases, the individuals involved had either entered illegally, participated in politically sensitive activities, or worked off-campus in violation of visa conditions. Students on F-1 visas who abide by the rules—including the 20-hour per week on-campus work limit—are not affected,” says Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director, Career Mosaic. 

2025 has been an unusual year for Indian students. With visa revocations and the impending end of the OPT program, choosing the United States as a study location may not be an option for every Indian student right now.

“The US has seen a 12.9% decline in Indian students under Trump’s presidency, with numbers dropping from 234,473 in 2023 to 204,058 in 2024. This decline is attributed to stricter visa rules, higher tuition costs due to the depreciation of the Indian rupee, and policy uncertainty, including the proposed elimination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. 

Despite these challenges, the US remains a top destination for Indian students, who are drawn to its high-quality education and innovative research opportunities,” says Gaurav Batra Founder & CEO Infinite Group.

Indian students prefer US education due to its universities, cultural diversity, and diverse academic options. The U.S.A., with nearly 200 US universities among the top 1500 globally in QS world university rankings, is known for academic excellence and provides opportunities for international students. 

The US is currently experiencing a decline, but could potentially regain its status as a preferred study destination once the current immigration crackdown gets resolved. 

“The United States remains a popular destination for Indian students, even after President Trump’s re-election. That said, students and families are approaching U.S. admissions more cautiously. Concerns around visa policies, immigration rhetoric, and long-term job security have become more prominent. However, the U.S. continues to offer unparalleled academic opportunities, especially in STEM and business, which still makes it a top choice,” says Yatharth Gulati, Co-Founder of Rostrum Education.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-us-visa-crackdown-triggers-uncertainty-is-america-still-worth-it-for-indian-students-3812361/