Visa rejections for students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have reached their highest levels in two decades, with the two states accounting for over half of all US student visa rejections. Even students accepted into prestigious Ivy League institutions are facing denial.
High Rejection Rates for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Students
Historically, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have been major contributors to the influx of Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States. However, visa approval rates have been especially low during the January intake season, and trends suggest that the summer intake will experience similar outcomes.
In a significant shift, US visa officers are no longer providing reasons for rejecting applications, making the process more opaque. According to study abroad consultancies, the primary causes for rejection are minor discrepancies in academic records, personal details, or supporting documents—issues that were once overlooked but are now receiving greater scrutiny, possibly due to the approaching US elections.
Rising Rejection Rates and Their Impact
A recent US government report revealed that 41% of the 679,000 F-1 visa applications submitted for the 2023-2024 academic year were denied, with a significant proportion of these rejections affecting Indian students. This uncertainty surrounding visa approvals has led many students to reconsider their plans, exploring alternative study destinations such as Germany and the UK. Notably, Scotland and Wales are gaining popularity over London as preferred study locations.
The Root Cause of Higher Rejection Rates
The sharp rise in rejection rates is largely attributed to Indian students overstaying their US visas. In 2023, approximately 7,081 Indian students were reported to have overstayed their visas, mainly due to challenges in securing employment and maintaining their legal status. In response, the US has implemented stricter screening processes to prevent future overstays.
As a result, many students are now hesitant to apply for US visas, and the fear of rejection has made them consider other study-abroad options.
National Security and Public Safety Concerns
The US Department of State prioritizes public safety and national security in its visa application process. Despite the rising rejection rates, the number of Indian students in the US increased during the 2023-2024 academic year. India remains the leading country of origin for international students in the United States, underlining the continued demand for US education despite the heightened visa challenges.
