The United States saw a record high rejection rate for F-1 student visas in the 2023-24 fiscal year with 41% of applications turned down nearly double the rate from a decade ago. According to an analysis of US State Department data by The Indian Express, out of 6.79 lakh applications 2.79 lakh were denied, marking a sharp increase from 36% in 2022-23.
While the US government has not disclosed country-wise refusal rates, reports indicate a significant decline in student visas issued to Indians. Between January and September 2024, only 63,973 visas were granted down from 1.03 lakh in the same period in 2023. This drop comes despite Indian students becoming the largest international student group in the US, surpassing the Chinese with a 29.4% share in 2023-24.
The rise in F-1 visa denials coincides with global efforts to limit international student numbers. Canada has announced a 35% cut in study permits, citing pressure on housing and healthcare, while the UK has imposed restrictions on foreign students bringing dependents, causing university enrolments to fall by up to 40%.
The US State Department attributed fluctuations in visa numbers to a “change in methodology” from 2019, affecting how approvals and denials are counted. Despite the higher rejection rate, the US remains a top destination for Indian students, with 3.31 lakh currently enrolled in American institutions
