New Delhi: The number of U.S. student visas issued to Indian nationals has seen a sharp decline, with a 30% drop recorded this February compared to the same month last year. This reduction stands out even as the overall number of student visas issued globally by the U.S. decreased by 4.75%.
The development comes amid growing concern over the cancellation of student visas for more than 1,100 students studying at around 170 colleges across the United States. Many of the affected students are now pursuing legal remedies. The Indian government has advised the students to seek legal recourse to challenge the cancellations.
Further compounding the issue is the extended wait time for U.S. visa appointments in India. Indian student applicants, including exchange visitors, are currently facing an average wait of 58 days for visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.
The trend has sparked anxiety among prospective students and their families, especially given the increasing competition and uncertainty surrounding international admissions. Indian students represent one of the largest groups of international students in the U.S., and any shift in visa policy or processing can have a significant impact on both sides.
