Student visas: China Gets Double As India

Indian student population traveling to the United States for studies has been on a constant spike. However, the number of Indian students getting US visas saw a sharp drop in August 2024.

According to official data, there was a decline of more than 44 percent compared to the same period in 2023. This sudden fall has raised concerns among students and education consultants who closely follow visa trends every year.

Experts say this drop could be due to tighter visa screening, increased competition, and delays in processing appointments. Another possible reason is that many students applied earlier this year, leading to fewer approvals in August.

While the US remains the most popular study destination for Indians, other countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia are becoming strong alternatives due to simpler visa rules.

In 2023, India had overtaken China to become the largest source of international students in the US. But with the latest numbers showing such a huge decline, students and parents are worried about what this means for future admissions.

Despite this setback, many believe the situation may improve in the next intake season if the US government speeds up visa processing and clears backlogs. For now, students are advised to plan early and explore multiple study destinations.