US Student Visa Freeze Hits Indian Enrollment
Thousands of Indian students hoping to begin their studies in the United States this fall are facing severe disruptions due to an unprecedented visa appointment freeze and rising rejection rates. Education consultants across cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai have reported a projected 70–80% drop in student departures compared to last year.
With the fall intake just weeks away, many students have yet to secure visa interview slots. This delay is forcing some to defer their admissions while others are switching their plans to countries with smoother processing like Canada, Australia, and Germany.
Technical Glitches and Screening Concerns
The disruption is reportedly linked to administrative backlogs and enhanced scrutiny, including considerations for expanded social media screening. US consulates in India had temporarily suspended the release of new F-1 visa appointments earlier this month, catching many students off guard. Those who did manage to book appointments are facing last-minute cancellations and reschedules.
Students said they have spent months refreshing the visa portal in the hope of snagging a slot. For many, the uncertainty has become unbearable. Several candidates for top US universities like Columbia, NYU, and Purdue are now opting for Canadian or European institutions.
Universities in the US Feel the Heat
US universities are also feeling the pressure. Indian students are among the largest contributors to international enrollment and revenue. With lower turnout expected this semester, some universities have begun lobbying US immigration services to expedite pending cases and resume appointment availability.
Some institutions have already issued flexible deferment policies or allowed students to begin classes online from India. However, many programmes—particularly STEM fields and research fellowships—require in-person presence and cannot be conducted remotely.
Consultants Urge Intervention
Indian education consultants have called for urgent intervention by both governments to address the visa processing slowdown. They have warned that a sustained drop could affect not only academic mobility but also India–US educational and economic ties.
For now, uncertainty remains high, and students await clear communication from both US authorities and their respective universities.
