Visa Hurdles Drive Down Indian Student Enrollment in US by 6.9%

The number of Indian students in the US fell by 6.9% to 352,644 by February 2026, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs. Increased visa scrutiny and compliance issues are cited as contributing factors. The MEA is actively engaging with US authorities to address these challenges.

Indian student enrollment in US educational institutions has experienced a notable decline of 6.9%, according to figures released by the Ministry of External Affairs. The number of students dropped from 378,787 in February 2025 to 352,644 by February 2026, indicating increasing challenges in mobility.

Contributing factors include heightened visa scrutiny and monitoring as per expanded screening guidelines introduced by the US Department of State. The new regulations focus on national security and require students to maintain public social media profiles as part of the visa vetting process.

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to address these issues with US authorities, advocating for streamlined legal mobility frameworks to support Indian students and professionals seeking education and opportunities abroad.

(With inputs from agencies.)