News

October 5 2026

US Universities Report Decline in International Student Applications Amid Visa Uncertainty

In Brief 

• New international enrolments at surveyed US institutions fell 17% in Fall 2025.
• 59% of responding institutions reported a decline in international applications in the 2025-26 cycle.
• Visa application concerns were reported by 96% of institutions experiencing lower new enrolments.
• Applications from India through Common App declined 15% during the 2025-26 cycle.
• The US still hosted 363,019 Indian students in 2024-25, up 10% year on year.
• Overall, the US had more than 1.17 million international students in 2024-25.
• The number of new international students, however, fell 7% to 277,118.
• For prospective students, visa timelines and immigration rules are becoming increasingly important alongside academic and financial considerations.

US Universities Report Decline in International Student Applications Amid Visa Uncertainty 

International student applications to US universities are weakening as visa uncertainty, changing immigration policies, and travel-related concerns shape study-abroad decisions. New international enrolments at surveyed US institutions fell 17% in Fall 2025, while 59% of responding institutions reported a decline in international applications during the 2025-26 admissions cycle. For Indian students considering study in the USA, the trend highlights the growing importance of US student visa timelines and immigration requirements alongside university choice, tuition fees and academic opportunities.

The Indian Express recently reported a decline in international student applications to US universities, citing visa uncertainty as one of the key concerns. The report highlights how visa delays, denials and changing immigration policies are creating greater uncertainty for international students planning to study in the USA.

Recent higher education data also points to a slowdown in international student applications and new enrolments. Students are increasingly considering factors such as visa processing timelines, travel restrictions and immigration rules when choosing a study destination.

The development is particularly relevant for India, one of the largest sources of international students in the US. For Indian students in the USA and those preparing for upcoming intakes, the latest figures could influence how they assess the country as a study destination.

Fewer new international students are entering US universities

The slowdown can also be seen in new student enrolment figures.

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE)'s Fall 2025 Snapshot, new international enrolments at surveyed US institutions fell 17% in Fall 2025. The survey found that 57% of participating institutions reported lower new international enrolments.

Visa-related challenges were one of the most commonly reported reasons. Among institutions that experienced a decline in new international enrolments, 96% cited concerns about visa applications, while 68% reported travel restrictions as a contributing factor, according to IIE.

These challenges can create practical difficulties for students. Delayed visa appointments or uncertainty over travel can affect everything from university joining dates to accommodation and financial planning.

Application numbers indicate a similar trend

The decline is also visible earlier in the student journey, at the application stage.

In the IIE Spring 2026 survey, 59% of responding institutions said international applications had decreased during the 2025-26 admissions cycle.

Graduate programmes appear to be experiencing greater pressure. Around 43% of institutions reported a substantial decline in graduate applications, while 31% reported a substantial decline at the undergraduate level.

The figures suggest that some international students may be reconsidering when or where they pursue higher education.

Applications from India fall

Indian students are an important part of this changing picture.

According to Common App data, applications from India declined 15% during the 2025-26 application cycle. International applications overall fell 10%, even as the broader US undergraduate application pool continued to expand.

However, this decline should be viewed alongside the existing scale of Indian enrolment in the country.

The Open Doors 2025 report recorded 363,019 Indian students in the US during the 2024-25 academic year, representing a 10% increase from the previous year.

In other words, the US still has a substantial Indian student population, but recent application data indicates that demand among incoming students may be changing. The distinction is important: a decline in new applications does not mean that the existing Indian student population in the USA has fallen.

The US continues to be a major international education destination

The latest numbers do not suggest that international education in the US has declined across the board.

Open Doors 2025 reported that US higher education institutions hosted 1,177,766 international students in 2024-25. The overall international student population increased by 5% from the previous academic year.

The picture changes when looking specifically at newcomers. The number of new international students fell 7% to 277,118 during the same period, according to Open Doors.

This creates an important distinction. The total international student population remains large, while recent application and new-enrolment figures indicate weaker momentum among students preparing to enter the US higher education system.

Taken together, these figures suggest that the US remains a major destination for international education, but the pipeline of new students is facing greater uncertainty.

What should prospective students consider?

For students considering the US, university rankings, courses and tuition fees are no longer the only factors shaping the decision.

Visa appointment availability, processing timelines, travel rules, immigration policies and post-study opportunities can influence whether studying in the country is practical.

Indian students planning for upcoming intakes should therefore follow official visa updates closely, understand university timelines and allow sufficient time for the visa process.

The US continues to have a strong international higher education presence. However, recent application and enrolment figures show that visa and immigration uncertainty could increasingly influence how international students evaluate the country as a study destination.

Author : Rani Thomas

I’m Rani Thomas, founder and CEO of Berakah Elite Education. With over 30 years in the United States and decades of experience in finance and operations at Lawson Travels, I launched Berakah to guide students in India through the process of studying abroad, combining structured support with a personal commitment to service.

rani@berakahelite.com