U.S. Faces 150,000 Fewer Foreign Students This Fall
The United States is expected to see a 30–40% drop in new international student enrollments for the upcoming September 2025 intake. The projected decline could result in nearly 150,000 fewer foreign students, raising concerns across universities and communities dependent on student spending.
Economic Impact Could Exceed $7 Billion
A drop of this scale is expected to cause an estimated $7 billion loss in revenue for the U.S. economy. More than 60,000 jobs—many in university towns and support sectors such as housing, food services, and transportation—could be affected by the decline.
Visa Processing Delays Behind the Drop
One of the main reasons for the enrollment drop is disruption in student visa services. Between May 27 and June 18, a critical visa processing window was paused, affecting thousands of students preparing for fall admission. Additionally, many major U.S. consulates in countries like India, China, and Nigeria reported a severe shortage of available interview slots.
F-1 visa issuance from January to April 2025 was 12% lower than the previous year. In May alone, the issuance rate fell by 22%, worsening the situation for international applicants.
Travel Ban Adds Further Pressure
The U.S. government’s travel ban on 19 countries, with the possibility of 36 more being added, has further strained international mobility. Students from affected regions are increasingly reconsidering the U.S. as a study destination.
Universities Facing Admissions Crisis
American universities are already feeling the pinch. Many institutions have seen a significant decline in their international freshman class and anticipate financial losses in tuition, housing, and campus services.
To adapt, some U.S. universities are exploring options like overseas satellite campuses to serve students who are unable to enter the U.S. in time for the academic year.
Global Shift in Preferences
As the U.S. faces these challenges, students are looking elsewhere. Countries such as the U.K., Canada, Australia, and those in Southeast Asia are becoming more attractive due to friendlier visa policies and faster processing times.
Calls for Immediate Action
Higher education bodies are urging the U.S. State Department to prioritize student visa processing and to reconsider blanket travel restrictions. Without urgent reform, experts warn that the damage to the U.S. higher education sector could extend well beyond the current academic cycle.
