Indian student enrollment in US universities has seen a significant drop, with education consultants in Hyderabad reporting a 70% decline in outbound traffic.
The steep fall is attributed to an ongoing freeze in US visa appointment slots and a sudden rise in rejection rates — issues that have sparked growing concern among students and their families.
“Typically, by this time of year, most students would have completed their visa interviews and begun making travel plans,” said Sanjeev Rai of Hyderabad Overseas Consultant, speaking to the Times of India. “This year, we’re stuck refreshing the appointment portal daily, hoping for a slot to open. It’s the worst we’ve seen in years.”
While US authorities previously promised that visa slots would be released in phases, students and consultants say the process remains murky and inconsistent. Even those who manage to book appointments are facing uncertainty.
“Many applicants haven’t received confirmation after booking a slot,” said Ankit Jain of Window Overseas Education Consultancy. “It feels like the US is testing its system, leaving students in limbo.”
Faced with prolonged delays and high rejection risks, students are now turning to alternative destinations.
“I couldn’t afford to wait any longer — I risk losing an entire academic year,” said a 23-year-old applicant who has withdrawn his US application and is now exploring Germany for a master’s in automotive engineering.
“If new visa slots aren’t released in the next few days, thousands of dreams will be shattered,” said Arvind Manduva from I20 Fever consultancy. “We’re seeing nearly an 80% drop in processing, and we’re receiving panic calls daily from both students and parents.”
Adding to the anxiety is an unusually high rate of visa denials, even for students with strong academic and personal profiles.
“Students who normally would’ve had smooth approvals are being turned away,” Jain noted. “Even those with clean social media histories are being rejected under Section 214(b).”
Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act is commonly cited for visa denials when an applicant fails to demonstrate strong ties to their home country — evidence that they will return after their studies.
Ravi Lothumalla of US Admission, a Texas-based immigration consulting firm, emphasized that these rules have long existed but are now being strictly enforced.
“The vetting process isn’t new. What’s changed is the intensity of enforcement,” he said.
The US Consulate General in Hyderabad acknowledged the issue and stated that visa slots have resumed.
A spokesperson said, “We are working to thoroughly vet visa applicants to ensure they do not pose a threat to the US and that they are eligible for the visa requested. Applicants should apply early and prepare for potential delays.”
In 2023, India surpassed China to become the top sender of students to the US, with over 3.3 lakh students. However, this trend now appears to be reversing.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, as of January 1, 2024, more than 11.6 lakh Indian students were pursuing higher education abroad. While the US remains a top choice, countries in Europe are gaining ground as visa delays and rejections in the US prompt students to explore other options.
