Indian student arrivals in the US have hit a record low. Data from the US Customs Service shows a 44% drop in August 2025 compared to last year. This decline follows a steady decrease over recent months. The US, once a top choice for Indian students, now sees fewer pursuing education there.

Why the Drop?

Several factors explain this trend. Rising costs of US education, including tuition and living expenses, make it less affordable. Many students now explore cheaper options in countries like Canada, Australia, or the UK. Visa restrictions also play a role. Stricter US visa policies, including longer processing times and higher rejection rates, discourage applicants.

Economic challenges in India add pressure. Inflation and a weaker rupee make funding US education harder for families. Students also worry about job prospects after graduation. US job markets for international students, especially in tech and engineering, have tightened due to local hiring preferences.

Impact on Students

This drop affects Indian students significantly. Fewer are choosing the US for higher education, with only 28,000 arriving in August 2025 compared to 50,000 in August 2024. Popular fields like STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) still attract some, but the numbers are shrinking. Students face tough choices between costly US degrees and more affordable options elsewhere.

Other Countries Gain

As US arrivals fall, other nations see a surge. Canada reported a 20% rise in Indian student visas in 2025. Australia and the UK also note higher applications. These countries offer lower tuition, simpler visa processes, and better post-study work options. For example, Canada’s three-year work permit after graduation appeals to many.

US Universities Feel the Pinch

US colleges rely on international students for revenue. Indian students, a major group, contribute billions yearly. The 44% drop in August hurts budgets, especially at universities with large Indian enrollments. Some schools may cut programs or raise fees to offset losses, impacting all students.

US Visa Policy Changes in 2025

US visa rules for students have tightened this year. These changes hit Indian students hard. They explain part of the 44% drop in arrivals from India. Below, I cover the main shifts.

F-1 Student Visa Scrutiny

F-1 visas let students study in the US. In 2025, checks grew stricter. Rejection rates hit 41% for global F-1 applications in 2023-2024. For Indians, this means more denials. Reasons include better proof of funds and ties to home. Delays now last months. Wait times in India range from 3.5 to 9 months by city.

New fees add up. A $250 visa integrity fee applies. Plus, a $24 admin charge at least. All F-1 applicants must share social media accounts. Officers review them for safety risks. This raises privacy fears.

OPT Program Limits

OPT lets students work after graduation. It lasts up to three years for STEM fields. In 2025, rules may end this path. Proposals seek to scrap it or limit it to one master’s degree. Students now rush H-1B lotteries. Many used a second master’s to extend stays. That option faces cuts.

A four-year stay cap is proposed. After that, students apply for extensions. This hits long programs and work plans.

H-1B Visa Overhaul

H-1B visas help students switch to jobs. India gets 71% of them. But a new $100,000 fee started September 19, 2025. It’s 60 times the old cost. This blocks many from staying post-study.

A presidential order limits H-1B entries for specialty jobs. It started September 21, 2025. Tech firms warn holders about travel risks. Backlogs grow.

Other Impacts

B1/B2 waivers now center in New Delhi since March 2024. Drop-off spots stay in five cities. No more third-country interviews for Indians.

AI tools scan social media to revoke visas. This targets protest-linked students. A help office for visa issues closed. This cuts support.

Why These Changes?

The Trump administration drives this. Focus is on security and local jobs. Indian students, over 331,000 in 2023-2024, feel the pinch most. Costs rise. Rupee weakness adds strain.

Effects on Indian Students

Many rethink US plans. Canada and UK see more applicants. Their visas are easier. US schools lose revenue. Enrollment may fall 30-40% for fall 2025.

India calls the H-1B fee a humanitarian issue. It splits families. Students pivot to local jobs or other countries.

These rules aim to control borders. But they curb talent flow. Indian students weigh risks against rewards.

Detailed Guide to the F-1 Visa Application Process

The F-1 visa allows international students to study full-time at accredited U.S. schools. This guide covers the full process as of October 2025. Always check official sites for updates, as rules can change.

Eligibility Basics

You qualify for an F-1 visa if:

• You enroll in a full-time academic or language program at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
• The program leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• You prove you can pay for tuition, living costs, and return travel.
• You intend to leave the U.S. after your studies end.

Your school must be SEVP-certified. Search for schools at studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Apply to and Get Accepted by a U.S. School

• Choose an SEVP-certified school (college, university, high school, or language institute).
• Submit applications, transcripts, test scores (like TOEFL or SAT), and essays.
• Once accepted, the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) issues Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
• Sign the I-20 and get it back from the school. This registers you in the SEVIS database.
• If bringing family, they need separate I-20s for F-2 visas.

Timeframe: Start 6-12 months before your program begins.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

• Pay $350 online at fmjfee.com/i901fee or via Western Union Quick Pay.
• Use the SEVIS ID from your I-20 (starts with “N00”).
• Print the receipt; you’ll need it for your visa interview.
• Pay before your visa interview, but after getting the I-20.

Exceptions: Canadian citizens don’t pay this fee.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Online Application

• Go to ceac.state.gov/genniv to fill out Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
• Answer all questions about your background, travel plans, and finances.
• Upload a digital photo: 2×2 inches, white background, no glasses, taken within 6 months. See photo specs at travel.state.gov.
• Print the confirmation page with barcode; bring it to your interview.

This form takes 1-2 hours. Save your session if needed.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee and Schedule Your Interview

• Pay the $185 MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee at your local U.S. embassy or consulate site. It’s non-refundable.
• Create a profile at ustraveldocs.com (or your country’s portal) to schedule.
• Book an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate. Wait times vary: 1-6 months, longer in peak seasons (June-August).
• F-1 visas issue up to 365 days before your program start, but enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before.
• Some get interview waivers if renewing or from low-risk countries, but most need one.

Check wait times at travel.state.gov.

Step 5: Gather Supporting Documents

Bring originals and copies. Core items:

• Valid passport (6+ months beyond stay).
• DS-160 confirmation.
• Visa fee receipt.
• SEVIS I-901 receipt.
• Signed Form I-20.
• One photo (if upload failed).

Proof of ties and funds:

• Bank statements, scholarships, or sponsor affidavits (Form I-134 if needed) showing at least the amount on your I-20.
• Academic records: Transcripts, diplomas, test scores.
• Evidence of home ties: Job letter, property deeds, family details.

Family: Separate docs for F-2 dependents.

Step 6: Attend the Visa Interview

• Arrive early; only bring required items (no phones/electronics).
• Dress neatly; be polite and concise.
• The officer asks about your studies, funds, and return plans (5-10 minutes).
• Expect digital fingerprints and photo.
• Answer honestly; they check for immigrant intent.

Tips:

• Practice English responses.
• Know your program details (school, major, costs).
• Show strong home ties to prove you’ll return.
• If denied, ask why; you can reapply with more evidence.

Approval: If yes, pay any reciprocity fee (varies by country). Visa stamps in passport within days/weeks.

Step 7: Travel to the U.S. and Maintain Status

• Book flights after visa issuance.
• At port of entry: Present passport, visa, I-20, and SEVIS receipt to CBP officer.
• Get Form I-94 (arrival record) online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
• Report to school within 30 days; DSO activates SEVIS.
• Maintain full-time enrollment; report address changes.

Work: On-campus OK after first year; off-campus needs approval (OPT/CPT).

2025 Updates and Proposed Changes

As of October 2025:

• Visa reciprocity changes for some countries (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa) may add fees or validity limits.
• DHS proposed in August 2025 to replace “duration of status” with fixed 4-year stays (plus 30-day grace). This isn’t final but could limit extensions if enacted. Check dhs.gov for status.
• Stricter social media reviews and funding proofs continue from prior years.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Incomplete DS-160: Double-check answers.
• Weak finances: Show exact I-20 amounts.
• No home ties: Highlight job/family plans post-study.
• Late applications: Apply 3-4 months early.
• Denials: 41% global rate in 2024; reapply with fixes.

Resources

• Travel.State.Gov: Full visa info.
• StudyInTheStates.DHS.Gov: SEVIS help.
• USA.gov/Student-Visa: Overview.

Consult an immigration advisor for personal cases. This isn’t legal advice.

What’s Next?

The trend may continue unless changes occur. Easing visa rules or offering more scholarships could help. US universities might also partner with Indian institutions for exchange programs or online courses. However, competition from other countries remains strong. Students will likely keep exploring options that balance cost, quality, and job opportunities.

For now, the US drops to a new low as a destination for Indian students. The shift reflects practical choices in a changing global education market.

Frequently Asked Questions About US Drops To New Low