Tue Apr 22 01:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Sharp Drop in US Student Visas for Indian Students Sparks Outcry
**New Delhi, April 22, 2025** – A significant decline in the number of US student visas issued to Indian nationals has sparked concern and prompted a response from the Indian government. Data reveals a 30% drop in F-1 visas issued to Indians in February 2025 compared to the same month the previous year, far exceeding the overall 4.75% decrease in student visas granted globally. This comes amidst reports of over 1,100 international students, including Indians, having their visas terminated or revoked.
The drastic reduction in Indian student visas contrasts sharply with the declines seen for Chinese (5.2%), Vietnamese (7.4%), and Japanese (9.6%) students. The longer visa processing times for Indian students, averaging 58 days compared to just two days for students in Beijing and Hanoi, further exacerbates the issue.
Several Indian students have filed lawsuits against the visa revocations, including Manikanta Pasula, a computer science student at Rivier University. The Indian government, initially advising students to “follow the law,” has shifted its stance, now offering support and encouraging affected students to pursue legal action.
The sharp drop follows a broader trend of increased student visa denial rates in the US, which reached 41% in 2024, significantly higher than the 22.1% denial rate for other visa categories. While the current administration’s policies are cited as a contributing factor, the challenges faced by international students are not new, with the COVID-19 pandemic having also impacted application rates and approvals. The situation underscores the significant challenges Indian students face in accessing higher education in the United States.
First Piper 