April 17, 2025 — The United States has long held the reputation of being the top destination for international students, and recent data confirms this enduring appeal. In the 2023–2024 academic year, over 1.1 million international students were enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year. Indian students played a significant role in this growth, with 331,602 studying in the U.S.—a 23% year-on-year increase.
However, despite the growing numbers, a climate of uncertainty is clouding the American dream for many aspiring Indian students. With the return of former President Donald Trump to office and a renewed emphasis on strict immigration policies, the U.S. is reportedly revoking F-1 student visas and removing student records from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). These actions, observers say, are effectively rendering students’ stays unlawful.
According to data from the U.S. State Department, 41% of international student visa applications were denied in the fiscal year from October 2023 to September 2024—a ten-year high. This rate nearly doubles the student visa rejection figures from 2014, raising concerns about the future of Indian students in the U.S.
Lingering Uncertainty Despite Continued Popularity
While the U.S. continues to be a top choice for Indian students—especially those seeking degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—many are growing wary of the shifting visa landscape.
“The United States continues to be a leading destination for Indian students, especially for STEM programs, but the sentiment is no longer as confident as before,” says Aritra Ghoshal, Founder and Director of OneStep Global. He attributes this shift in perception to lingering effects of the Trump administration’s previous term, which introduced tougher immigration regulations, tightened H-1B visa norms, and fostered a political climate that some international students found unwelcoming.
Visa Revocations: Should Everyone Be Worried?
Despite alarming headlines about deportations and visa cancellations, experts caution against generalizing these incidents.
“Stories about deportations have created anxiety, but in most cases, the individuals involved had either entered illegally, participated in politically sensitive activities, or worked off-campus in violation of visa conditions,” explains Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director at Career Mosaic. “Students on F-1 visas who follow the rules—including the 20-hour per week on-campus work limit—are not affected.”
Nevertheless, 2025 has proven to be a turbulent year for Indian students. With visa revocations and growing uncertainty around the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, studying in the U.S. is becoming a less certain path for some.
A Shift in Numbers
Recent figures show a significant downturn. The number of Indian students in the U.S. declined by nearly 13% during Trump’s presidency, dropping from 234,473 in 2023 to 204,058 in 2024. Analysts attribute this decline to a combination of stricter visa regulations, rising tuition costs—exacerbated by the depreciation of the Indian rupee—and concerns about long-term policy changes, including the potential end of the OPT program.
Still, the allure of American education persists.
“Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains a top destination for Indian students, who are drawn to its high-quality education and innovative research opportunities,” says Gaurav Batra, Founder and CEO of Infinite Group.
Education Over Politics
Indian students are particularly drawn to the U.S. for its renowned universities, cultural diversity, and academic flexibility. Nearly 200 American institutions rank among the top 1,500 universities globally in the QS World University Rankings—an indicator of the U.S.’s continued academic dominance.
Looking ahead, experts believe that the current decline could be temporary. Should immigration policies stabilize, the U.S. may once again regain its status as the undisputed leader in international education.
“The United States remains a popular destination for Indian students, even after President Trump’s re-election,” says Yatharth Gulati, Co-Founder of Rostrum Education. “That said, students and families are approaching U.S. admissions more cautiously. Concerns around visa policies, immigration rhetoric, and long-term job security have become more prominent. However, the U.S. continues to offer unparalleled academic opportunities, especially in STEM and business, which still makes it a top choice.”
As visa policies evolve, Indian students and their families must weigh the risks against the rewards more carefully than ever before.
