The United States has rejected a record number of international student visa applications, with a staggering 41% of applications denied in the past fiscal year. This represents a ten-year high for US student visa denials, nearly doubling the rejection rate of 2014.
According to an analysis of State Department data, the US received a total of 679,000 applications for F-1 student visas in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with 279,000 (41%) denied. This marks an increase from the previous year, when 253,000 applications (36%) were rejected out of a total of 699,000.
The rise in visa denials has sparked concerns among international students, particularly from India, which has seen a significant decline in student visas issued. According to data, the number of student visas issued to Indians decreased by 38% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The US remains the most popular destination for international students, with India accounting for a proportion of the international student cohort. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, Indian students surpassed Chinese students to become the largest international student cohort in the US, with 331,602 students enrolled in 2023-2024.
However, the increase in F-1 rejections has raised concerns among Indian students and educators. “The rise in visa denials is a worrying trend, and we urge the US government to reconsider its policies,” said a spokesperson for the Indian Embassy in Washington.
The State Department has attributed the rise in visa denials to a change in methodology for calculating visa data from FY2019 onwards. However, experts say that the increase in denials is likely due to a combination of factors, including increased scrutiny of visa applications and a more restrictive immigration policy environment.
The impact of the visa denials is being felt across the US higher education sector, with many institutions reporting a decline in international student enrollments. According to the Open Doors report, the number of new international students enrolling at US colleges and universities remained robust, with 298,705 new students in 2023-2024. However, the report noted that the growth in international student enrollments has slowed in recent years, due in part to increased competition from other countries and changing US immigration policies.
The visa denials have also sparked concerns about the impact on the US economy. International students contribute significantly to the US economy, with the US Department of Commerce estimating that they contributed over $50 billion to the economy in 2023.
In addition to the economic impact, the visa denials have also raised concerns about the impact on US universities and research institutions. Many international students come to the US to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The denial of visas to these students could have long-term implications for US research and innovation.
The issue has also flashed a debate about the need for immigration reform in the US. Many experts argue that the current immigration system is in need of overhaul, with a more streamlined and efficient process for processing visa applications.
In conclusion, the record number of international student visa denials in the US is a worrying trend that has implications for the US higher education sector, the economy, and research institutions. While the State Department has attributed the rise in denials to a change in methodology, experts say that the increase is likely due to a combination of factors, including increased scrutiny of visa applications and a more restrictive immigration policy environment.
