US student visas saw greater diversity in first half of FY2025
US saw a change in international student visas. Data shows fewer visas issued overall. Indian student visas dropped by 44 percent. Despite the dip, India remains the top country for visas. Other countries like Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Vietnam saw i...
By ET Online |
Agencies
The first half of the 2025 fiscal year saw a notable shift in the profile of international students receiving F-1 student visas for study in the United States, according to newly released US Department of State data. While overall visa issuance declined compared to the same period last year, student mobility became more geographically diverse, as per a report by Apply Board.
Between October 2024 and March 2025, the US issued nearly 89,000 F-1 student visas globally, marking a 15% year-on-year drop. The decline was most visible among Indian nationals, whose visa approvals fell by 44% in this period. According to the Apply Board report, despite this, India remained the top source country with 14,700 F-1 visas issued, followed by China with a steady 11,000 visas, in line with previous years.
Visa issuance expanded in several other countries, showing a broader spread of international student interest. Students from Zimbabwe recorded a 162% rise in visas issued. Pakistan, Colombia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia also saw double-digit growth rates. Vietnam moved into the third position among all source countries, highlighting the country’s growing footprint in US higher education.
The drop in Indian student visas has been linked to longer processing times, limited appointment availability, and increased social media screening measures introduced in May and June 2025. A suspension of new appointments during that period further contributed to delays.
In comparison, Indian students’ interest in other countries also slowed. Australia saw a 20% drop in visa applications from India, while Canada recorded a 57% decline in Indian study permits issued during 2024.
Between October 2024 and March 2025, the US issued nearly 89,000 F-1 student visas globally, marking a 15% year-on-year drop. The decline was most visible among Indian nationals, whose visa approvals fell by 44% in this period. According to the Apply Board report, despite this, India remained the top source country with 14,700 F-1 visas issued, followed by China with a steady 11,000 visas, in line with previous years.
Visa issuance expanded in several other countries, showing a broader spread of international student interest. Students from Zimbabwe recorded a 162% rise in visas issued. Pakistan, Colombia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia also saw double-digit growth rates. Vietnam moved into the third position among all source countries, highlighting the country’s growing footprint in US higher education.
| Country | Year-on-year change (H1 FY2025) |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | +162% |
| Pakistan | +44.3% |
| Colombia | +22.8% |
| Bangladesh | +20.1% |
| Vietnam | +20% |
| Saudi Arabia | +6.8% |
| Germany | +3.8% |
The drop in Indian student visas has been linked to longer processing times, limited appointment availability, and increased social media screening measures introduced in May and June 2025. A suspension of new appointments during that period further contributed to delays.
In comparison, Indian students’ interest in other countries also slowed. Australia saw a 20% drop in visa applications from India, while Canada recorded a 57% decline in Indian study permits issued during 2024.
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This evolving pattern of F-1 visa issuance indicates that while overall volumes may fluctuate, the diversity of students seeking education in the United States is steadily increasing.Download
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