3.72 lakh Indian students in US; Govt seeks mobility framework, says US visa policy is 'sovereign matter'

Over 3.72 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in the United States, as per the June 2025 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data shared by the US Department of Homeland Security. However, the abrupt visa cancellations in April this year has left students who are already studying in the US and those aspiring to study abroad in a state of uncertainty.

According to the June 2025 SEVIS Mapping Pool Data, a total of 372,424 Indian nationals are pursuing various educational programs — primary, secondary, other vocational, high school, language training, flight school, associate, bachelors, masters, doctorate, and others — of different time durations in the US.

After a 14-year gap, India has surpassed China as the top country to have sent students to pursue higher education in the US, as per the Open Doors Report 2024. Of over 1.1 million international students in the US, China sent 2,77,398 students, a decline of 4% compared to previous years. While India recorded a significant increase of over 23%, enrolling more than 3.72 lakh students.

As per the data brought out by the US Department of State, the number of student visas issued by the US Embassy and its Consulates in India for educational purposes over the past five years saw a fluctuation in trends. While the number of visas approved post-COVID saw a significant increase, they witnessed a sharp dip in 2023-24.

Also read Study Abroad: Mere 38% Indian students in US are women; gender gap worse only in Bangladeshi, Saudi groups

Abrupt US student visa cancellations

In April 2025, a number of international students in the US were hit after their visas were revoked, putting them at risk of deportation proceedings. While several students challenged the abrupt termination of visas , some used the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App to voluntarily notify the US government and self-deport, “so that they may still have the opportunity to return legally to the U.S. in the future”, the ministry said.

After legal battles and diplomatic pressure, the US in early May 2025, reversed its policy and reinstated thousands of visas for international students and recent graduates whose legal status was terminated.

New US visa policy

Although the US reversed its visa cancellation policy in May, it has since indicated plans to introduce a new framework for terminating visas — expanding revocation grounds such as participation in political protests or any activity perceived as hostile to the administration.

“Amid ongoing legal battles and shifting policies, the uncertainty continues to affect the international student community and may have lasting impacts on those considering studying in the U.S,” the ministry said.

Under the new guidelines issued on June 18, 2025, the US said it would conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications.

All applicants have been asked to change the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public”.

“The new U.S. guidance mentions that every visa adjudication is a national security decision, and calls on all applicants to credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission.”

Also read Higher salaries, better employability top priorities for Indian students abroad: IDP study

Student visa revocation rule

As per the advisory issued in June 2025, the US Embassy in Delhi has clarified that grant of a student visa does not guarantee the continued stay of the student in the country. Visa monitoring will continue post-approval and rule breaking can lead to revocation of visas and deportation.

What is considered a rule break?

• Skipping classes or leaving the course without notifying the School/University;
• Minor infractions such as driving without a licence, DUI or driving under intoxication incidents, or Getting a ticket for speeding or parking violation;
• Engaging in political activism or protests; or
• Overstaying beyond the student visa validity.

The US visas could also be denied in future for such defaulters.

Also read Half of US visa termination cases involve Indians: Lawyers’ association

Steps taken by India

Stating that “issuance of visa and the related policy and processes are the sovereign prerogative of the concerned state”, the ministry of external affairs said it has been in talks with relevant US authorities “to promote mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks that allow for streamlining avenues for legal mobility of students and professionals, and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel”.

It said strong actions are being taken against people involved in illegal immigration and human trafficking and has pushed for a crackdown on illegal immigration networks.