Outlook Business Desk
Student visa denials in the United States surged to a decade-high in the last fiscal year (October 2023 to September 2024), with 41% of F-1 visa applications rejected — nearly twice the rejection rate recorded in FY2014.
Student visas issued to Indians dropped by 38% from January to September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
F-1 visa applications peaked in 2014-15, but declined sharply post-Covid, with 2023-24 seeing the highest rejection percentage in a decade.
The US State Department, as quoted by The Indian Express, said decisions are made based on different cases, including legal provisions, updated reporting methodology since 2019, etc.
Canada also announced a 35% cut in study permits in 2024 and plans another 10% cut in 2025, citing housing and healthcare pressure.
Visa hurdles in top destinations may force students to look for alternatives or rethink education plans abroad.
F-1 is the most common US student visa, covering academic programs. It accounts for over 90% of all US student visas, as per The Indian Express report.