A noticeable drop in international student visa approvals has raised concerns among Indian students hoping to study in the United States this fall. According to recent data from the US State Department, only 9,906 F-1 visas were issued to Indian students between March and May 2025, a sharp 27% drop from the same period the previous year.

This decrease is far less than the 10,894 student visas that were issued during the same time period in 2022, the first full year after the pandemic. The busiest time of year for processing student visas is usually March through July, just before the start of the fall term.

Administrative hold-ups and tighter controls

The plunge in numbers is based on a various of factors, such as administrative delays, stricter vetting of applications, and suspension of new interview slots temporarily. From May 27 to June 18, US consular posts in India suspended giving new appointments when they introduced tighter security measures.

One of the major changes was the implementation of obligatory social media background checks. Indeed, the US Embassy in New Delhi went so far as to recommend that students keep their social media accounts open in order to prevent delayed screening. While officials have described these checks as national security measures, many students feel uneasy about being asked to reveal their online presence.

US education still attractive, but confidence shaken

Despite these hiccups, the United States remains one of the top destinations for Indian students especially in STEM fields, and the promise of practical training through OPT programs. Though, increasing delays and uncertainty are eroding confidence among students as well as families.

As a result of increasing anxiety, the US Embassy has reported that consular operations are being constantly changed to meet security requirements and students should apply early and frequently check official websites for news on interview availability.