U.S. Student Visas: Mixed Trends in FY2025's First Half
Student visa issuances in the U.S. have seen mixed trends in the first half of fiscal year 2025. While some countries like Vietnam have shown growth, others such as India and China have experienced significant declines.
Indian student visa issuances plummeted by 44% compared to the previous year, dropping from around 26,000 to just under 15,000. Meanwhile, Chinese issuances decreased by 24%, nearing pre-pandemic levels. These shifts come despite increasing interest from countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Colombia in studying in the U.S.
In the U.S., the temporary pause on new student visa appointment slots in May and June 2025 led to delays and uncertainty for prospective students. Overall, nearly 89,000 F-1 student visas were issued in the first half of FY2025, marking a 15% decrease from the same period in FY2024. However, Vietnamese issuances bucked the trend, rising by 20% and making Vietnam the third-largest source market for U.S. institutions.
The U.S. student visa landscape in the first half of FY2025 was marked by both declines and growth. While India and China saw significant drops, Vietnam's increase and the rising interest from other countries highlight the dynamic nature of international student mobility.
