THE NUMBER of Indian students seeking admission to US colleges declined 15 per cent in 2025-26 over the previous year amid tightening immigration policies, according to a report.
A report by the Common App, representing more than 1,100 institutions, said that although undergraduate application volume for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year increased overall, the number of international applicants through March 1 fell 10 per cent, the steepest decline on record.
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The report by the non-profit organisation recorded a 15 per cent decrease in applicants from India, the top source for international students in the US.
India is the largest source of international students in the US, with more than 3.63 lakh enrolling in different courses during the 2024-25 academic year.
According to the report, international students contributed USD 41.77 billion to the local economy in Fall 2025-26. The figure is projected to be USD 38.37 billion in 2026-27.
Earlier, a report by an organisation of educators said stricter visa rules and uncertain policy are expected to lead to up to 1.1 lakh fewer international student registrations at US colleges and universities in Fall 2026.
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According to a report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and research firm JB International, international student registrations in Fall 2025-26 were estimated at 11.69 lakh, down this year to 10.57 lakh.
In July, the US government announced new rules eliminating the traditional “duration of status” for student and visitor visas and capping stays at four years, which is the usual duration of an academic course.
The US is also considering a USD 100,000 fee on foreign students who wish to use the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme to work in the US after graduation.
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OPT allows foreign nationals who enter the United States on a student visa to work in the US for 12, or in some cases 24, months. It also allows students to transition to an H-1B visa sponsored by employers.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
