The number of F-1 student visas issued to Indian applicants has declined significantly during the months leading up to the US fall academic intake. Official data indicates that approvals during the key admission period dropped sharply compared with the previous year. June and July are typically the most crucial months for student visa approvals as most American universities begin their fall semester in August or September. A reduction during this window can directly affect international student enrolments.
F-1 Visa Issuance Data for Indian Students
Recent figures released by US authorities show a notable fall in the number of student visas granted to Indian applicants. The comparison with previous years highlights the scale of the decline. The following table shows the number of F-1 visas issued during the peak admission months.
According to the data, 12,776 visas were issued in June–July 2025, compared with 41,336 during the same months in 2024, marking a 69% decline. The decrease has raised concerns among universities that rely on international students for academic diversity and tuition revenue.
Monthly Visa Trends During 2025 Admission Cycle
Monthly visa data further illustrates the sudden drop in approvals during the admission season. The following figures highlight visa issuance during mid-2025:
- June 2025: 10,695 visas issued
- July 2025: 2,081 visas issued
- August 2025: 2,389 visas issued
In comparison, the number of visas issued in June 2024 reached 26,731, showing a steep reduction within a year. Earlier months in 2025 also recorded fewer approvals. Between March and May 2025, a total of 9,906 visas were issued to Indian students, which represented around a 27% decrease compared with the same period the previous year.
Policy Changes Affecting Student Visa Processing
The decline coincided with several administrative changes affecting student visa processing during 2025. Key developments included:
- Temporary suspension of student visa interview appointments at several US consulates
- Introduction of expanded background verification measures
- Requirement for applicants to make social media accounts publicly accessible for review
- Disclosure of social media usernames used during the past five years
Student visa interviews resumed on 18 June 2025, but the pause disrupted the usual processing schedule during the peak application months.
Global Student Visa Numbers Also Declined
The drop in visa approvals has not been limited to Indian students alone. International student visa issuance globally also declined during the same period. Between May and August 2025, the United States issued approximately 97,000 fewer F-1 visas worldwide, representing a 36% decrease compared with 2024. Despite this decline, Indian students continue to form one of the largest international student groups studying in the United States. However, ongoing policy adjustments and visa processing delays may influence study-abroad decisions for future applicants.