Recent data from the US Department of State reveals a significant global trend in student visas, with over 600,000 issued since 2017. In the year 2022 alone, the US Department of State granted over 140,000 visas to Indian students. Additionally, students from Africa were granted approximately 40,000 visas, with 9,700 visas specifically issued to Nigerian students.
The 2023 Open Doors Report highlights a rapid surge in international students at US universities. Further, the report depicts that the US Department of State issued a record-breaking 10 million nonimmigrant visas worldwide in the 2023 federal fiscal year. The growing demand for and issuance of US visas indicates the interest of international students in education and opportunities in the US.
The 2023 Open Doors Report adds depth to these figures, showcasing a remarkable surge in international students at US universities—the fastest growth rate in over four decades. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, the US higher education system witnessed a substantial rise in international enrollment, exceeding 100,000 students in the academic year 2022–23. As per the analysis, it is estimated that there is a nearly 12 percent increase compared to the previous year. This surge positions international students at over 5 percent of the total US student population. The major sources of international students in the US are China and India. However, in recent times, India has become the top source of international graduates, surpassing China. The US embassy and consulates in India revealed that the enrollment of Indian students in US universities rose by 63 percent.
Apart from the educational impact, international students play a vital role in boosting the US economy, contributing an estimated $38 million. This underscores the diverse benefits that global education brings to both individuals and economies.
