The US student visa rejection rate for Indian applicants has surged to 61%, marking the highest level in several years due to increased policy restrictions and rigorous vetting processes.
Experts warn that escalating costs, uncertainties in the job market, and inaccurate return on investment assessments are influencing the decisions of Indian students regarding overseas education.
A recent report by Shorelight found that the rate of Indian student visa refusals in the US rose from 53% to 61% within a single year, positioning India as one of the most severely affected countries.
The US implements more rigorous screening processes, including a compulsory examination of applicants' online activities and social media accounts, which disproportionately impacts nations in the Global South.
Experts warn that several Indian students tend to overvalue the return on investment associated with studying abroad, believing that prestigious universities ensure lucrative employment opportunities.
Indian students constitute nearly 30% of all international enrolments in the US and represent a significant portion of graduate-level STEM programs.
The statistics are already indicating the pressure, with a 9.5% decrease in Indian students enrolling in US graduate programs in the 2024/25 academic year and a 28% decline in the number of Indian students heading to the US over the past year.
