Students Late for Class as US Visas Fall Behind
Many Indian students who have newly taken admission at American universities are unlikely to commence studies on time this Fall because of unusually long delays in visa processing despite the US recently lifting the pause on visa interviews.According to study abroad consultants, the delay and a steep rise in visa rejections could cause a 70–80% drop in Indian student arrivals in the US for the upcoming semester compared with last year. The Fall semester starts mostly in September and some in late August. Students usually depart for colleges in August.A US Embassy spokesperson said consular officers are to conduct comprehensive and thorough vetting, including of online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. This is under a new guidance. Interview slots for student visas (F-1, J-1, M-1) were not available in mid-March 2025. 'We do not issue a visa until an applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the consular officer adjudicating the case that he or she is eligible to receive a visa under US law,' the spokesperson said in response to ET's emailed queries. 'We will take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a risk to the safety and security of the US, and that he or she has credibly established his or her eligibility for the visa sought, including that the applicant intends to engage in activities consistent with the terms of admission.' Several US consulates had also temporarily halted visa interview appointments for new students in late May and much of June.The disruptions have caused a huge backlog in visa processing. Introduction of expanded social media vetting protocols as part of the standard visa review process added to the delays, said experts.'For some cities like Ahmedabad, it has been even worse (than other cities), leaving many unsure about their Fall 2025 plans,' said Collegify cofounder Adarsh Khandelwal. 'Even after the visa services resumed last month, appointment availability still remains erratic, with slots vanishing within seconds and wait times stretching up to 60 days in metros,' he said.'F1 visa processing is significantly delayed this year and if this does not quickly come on track, a lot of students will have to skip an entire year,' said Rajneesh Pathak, founder of Global North Residency and Citizenship. 'Most students are worried about not being able to join their course this year and losing fees and a year.'The US Embassy has urged early applications, warning that more processing time may be required. 'We acknowledge that the additional time required to conduct online presence vetting of all F, M, and J applicants may impact appointment availability in those categories,' the spokesperson said.This disruption was primarily due to operational adjustments, including system updates and introduction of the social media vetting protocols, said ApplyBoard's US head Lindsey Lopez.'However, given the high demand and recent backlogs, students may continue to experience longer wait times and delays in securing interview slots,' said Lopez.
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