Latest news with #I-20
NDTV
17 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
What Can International Students Do To Adapt To Pause On Student Visas
We're seeing a sharper focus on strategic planning: choosing intakes with better visa processing timelines, diversifying destination options, and pre-aligning career goals with immigration frameworks. It's no longer just about studying abroad; it's about where you'll grow professionally and personally over the next 10 years. NDTV's Ambika Singh speaks to Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO of Leverage Edu, about recent changes in the F-1 visa application process, new restrictions, and the latest trends in US university admissions for international students, including trends in STEM courses. Here is the full interview: Have there been recent changes in the F-1 visa application process or approval rates for Indian students? There's been increased scrutiny, but not systemic denial. Approval rates have dipped slightly, especially in Tier 2/3 cities. Students who articulate their intent well and show career alignment are still seeing success. It's a signal for deeper prep, not deterrence. Are there new restrictions or regulations affecting post-graduation work opportunities under OPT and H-1B pathways? There's more noise than change. The core OPT framework remains intact, but the ecosystem around it is being recalibrated. Expect tighter compliance, not closures. H-1B is seeing reform debates too, but Indian talent continues to drive value, and policy will eventually reflect that. How are US universities adapting to visa policy changes to support international students? Universities are stepping up with faster I-20 issuance, more transparent communication, and expanded career services. International students are critical to their sustainability now, especially amidst budget cuts. Expect more targeted outreach and support systems going forward. How do F-1 visa changes compare to other visa regulations? The US still offers a powerful mix of academic excellence and work pathways, but countries like Germany, Ireland, and the UAE are gaining edge with friendlier, more predictable policies. Students are actively taking immigration frameworks into consideration while planning for the long-term. What are the latest trends in US university admissions for international students? Data science, AI, engineering management, and public health programs are seeing a marked rise in interest, driven by their alignment with global workforce trends. These fields offer students the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, with relevance and impact playing as critical a role as employability in shaping their appeal. How competitive is the application process compared to previous years? The bar is higher but so is the access to information. Students today are more prepared, more strategic, and better guided. What we're witnessing is not competition fatigue, but clarity in ambition. What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for Indian applicants in 2025? Universities are increasing aid for qualified international students to keep their cohorts diverse. From STEM-focused merit scholarships to fully funded PhD offers, the window is widening. Students must take initiative early, plan ahead, and craft applications that speak directly to each opportunity. Are there alternative pathways to studying in the US, such as community colleges or transfer programmes? Absolutely. Community colleges and 2+2 pathways are gaining real traction, especially for those seeking affordability without compromising on eventual university brand. Are STEM courses still the most preferred for Indian students, or are new trends emerging? STEM dominates, but new verticals like AI ethics, climate tech, digital health, and design-led entrepreneurship are rising. Students are not falling for what's hot, they're carefully choosing what aligns best with their future. How does Leverage Edu assist applicants in navigating these challenges and optimizing admission chances? At Leverage Edu, we operate as a full-stack lifecycle partner: from discovery to visa, accommodation to careers. Our AI tools and mentorship network empower students to make data-backed, purpose-driven decisions. In a complex global environment, clarity is the real currency and we help unlock that.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ivy League dreams in limbo: Visas, verdicts & very anxious students
Live Events 'Ivy League colleges cannot survive without international students. They are the backbone of America's academic strength. This situation is temporary... it will pass.'I've been saying this often these days, more to calm the nerves of students and their parents than anything over two decades, I've watched thousands of Indian students chase the American Dream—an Ivy League degree, a high-flying job in the US and a life of global success. I've walked this journey with them—from the nervous excitement of SAT prep to nail-biting decisions on for the first time in my career, I find myself in the eye of an entirely new storm: the growing uncertainty in US college admissions for international students. And yet, I remain calm. Because I know the system is cyclical rather than permanent.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)Much of the current anxiety stems from the ongoing legal battles involving universities like Harvard. After the Donald Trump administration barred the University of Harvard from enrolling foreign students, a recent court ruling has allowed it to enrol international students, but many logistical roadblocks 20% of Indian students who have got admission to American colleges and universities this year have already got their visa. About 30% have secured interview dates. The remaining 50% are stuck—waiting for I-20 forms, which are eligibility certificates issued by a college or a university that is necessary to apply for a student visa, or struggling to find open visa slots. No new interview appointments are being issued right we are in June. The August intake is looming large and, understandably, parents are advice is simple: stay calm and have a pragmatic Plan B. Many families are now exploring alternatives like the UK and Singapore, or even returning to top Indian most students still want to hold out hope. They know—as I do—that there's still nothing quite like a US undergraduate this climate, I see three types of students:They're willing to lose a semester or even defer a year, just to make it to their dream US students are seriously weighing options in the UK, Singapore and even top Indian are watching and waiting, believing that visa processes will be realigned in there's reason to believe they will. The pressure on the US government to resolve this is mounting—economically, politically and other battle is just getting into an American college. With Common Application, AI-assisted evaluations and higher global applications, US colleges have never been more selective. Consider this: the University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate dropped from 20% in 2005 to just 5.4% in 2024. Boston University's went from 52% to 10.7%. New York University's fell from 32% to a mere 8%.More than 80% of Indian undergraduate applicants to the US are disappointed with the outcomes. Many of them feel they deserve better. But they are up against a system where nearly 35% of seats are locked up by MALDC candidates—Minorities, Athletes, Legacies, Donors and Children of Faculty and competition is only intensifying. The pipeline of Indian applicants is growing rapidly. Students from second- and third-tier towns now outperform their metro-city peers, fuelled by better schools and greater has been a huge jump in high-quality institutions across India. IT diploma schools have grown from 80 in 2010 to 175+ today. A-Level schools have doubled from 100 to 200+ in the same US still offers world-class education, but the post-graduation road is no longer guaranteed. A four-year undergraduate degree now costs upwards of $400,000, while an MBA degree can cost $250,000 or only 40% of Indian students who are graduating this year have secured jobs so far. Even in high-demand fields like computer science, the number was lower than expected. Ivy League MBAs are not immune either—23% of Harvard MBA graduates were unemployed three months after graduation in 2024. At Stanford , that figure was 18%, nearly double from just two years visa uncertainty continues. Optional practical training ( OPT ) and H-1B rules for visas remain inconsistent. Standardised testing, like the SAT, is making a comeback—adding yet another layer of the stakes rise, I encourage students to redefine what success looks like. Elite institutions are fantastic platforms but they are not the only route to achievement.I often recommend Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni. It's a wake-up call for those obsessed with the end of the day, real success depends on character, curiosity and grit—not just a brand of my students are exploring Indian post-grad options like the IIMs. Indian companies increasingly value homegrown talent—those who understand the market and are hungry to build something isn't the new normal. It's a moment in flux. My message to students and parents is: stay flexible, stay informed and keep your eye on the long game. Be prepared to pivot. Don't tie your self-worth to a college name or a country's immigration path ahead demands resilience—the ability to adapt, to reinvent oneself, to embrace uncertainty. We are entering an era where resilience will matter more than résumés. That's what I tell my students when they call, worried, sometimes in tears. I remind them that uncertainty doesn't equal failure—it's just part of recent months, I have also found myself having deeper, more philosophical conversations with families which I never used to have 10 or 15 years ago. Parents are beginning to ask not just how to get in, but why they are pursuing this path in the first place. And students are more reflective. They care more about alignment—between their passions, purpose and the education they seek. It's no longer just about getting a US degree. It's about building a life that feels role is no longer just about helping them get into a college—it's about helping them think bigger, with confidence, no matter where they land. After all, the dream isn't changing. It's just getting path may no longer be straight. But for those willing to stay the course, it can still lead to something Ivy League dream is still alive—but maybe, just maybe, it's time to dream wider.(As told to Lijee Philip)
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Ivy League dreams in limbo: Visas, verdicts & very anxious students
Bloomberg Harvard University students wearing graduation gowns walk through Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on May 29 'Ivy League colleges cannot survive without international students. They are the backbone of America's academic strength. This situation is temporary... it will pass.' I've been saying this often these days, more to calm the nerves of students and their parents than anything else. For over two decades, I've watched thousands of Indian students chase the American Dream—an Ivy League degree, a high-flying job in the US and a life of global success. I've walked this journey with them—from the nervous excitement of SAT prep to nail-biting decisions on colleges. Now, for the first time in my career, I find myself in the eye of an entirely new storm: the growing uncertainty in US college admissions for international students. And yet, I remain calm. Because I know the system is cyclical rather than permanent. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Harvard's Legal Battle Much of the current anxiety stems from the ongoing legal battles involving universities like Harvard. After the Donald Trump administration barred the University of Harvard from enrolling foreign students, a recent court ruling has allowed it to enrol international students, but many logistical roadblocks remain. Roughly 20% of Indian students who have got admission to American colleges and universities this year have already got their visa. About 30% have secured interview dates. The remaining 50% are stuck—waiting for I-20 forms, which are eligibility certificates issued by a college or a university that is necessary to apply for a student visa, or struggling to find open visa slots. No new interview appointments are being issued right now. And we are in June. The August intake is looming large and, understandably, parents are stressed. My advice is simple: stay calm and have a pragmatic Plan B. Many families are now exploring alternatives like the UK and Singapore, or even returning to top Indian universities. But most students still want to hold out hope. They know—as I do—that there's still nothing quite like a US undergraduate education. In this climate, I see three types of students: The Determined Ones: They're willing to lose a semester or even defer a year, just to make it to their dream US college. The Flexible Planners: These students are seriously weighing options in the UK, Singapore and even top Indian colleges. The Hopeful Majority: They are watching and waiting, believing that visa processes will be realigned in time. And there's reason to believe they will. The pressure on the US government to resolve this is mounting—economically, politically and diplomatically. Getting In The other battle is just getting into an American college. With Common Application, AI-assisted evaluations and higher global applications, US colleges have never been more selective. Consider this: the University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate dropped from 20% in 2005 to just 5.4% in 2024. Boston University's went from 52% to 10.7%. New York University's fell from 32% to a mere 8%. More than 80% of Indian undergraduate applicants to the US are disappointed with the outcomes. Many of them feel they deserve better. But they are up against a system where nearly 35% of seats are locked up by MALDC candidates—Minorities, Athletes, Legacies, Donors and Children of Faculty and Administrators. The competition is only intensifying. The pipeline of Indian applicants is growing rapidly. Students from second- and third-tier towns now outperform their metro-city peers, fuelled by better schools and greater ambition. There has been a huge jump in high-quality institutions across India. IT diploma schools have grown from 80 in 2010 to 175+ today. A-Level schools have doubled from 100 to 200+ in the same period. The US still offers world-class education, but the post-graduation road is no longer guaranteed. A four-year undergraduate degree now costs upwards of $400,000, while an MBA degree can cost $250,000 or more. Yet, only 40% of Indian students who are graduating this year have secured jobs so far. Even in high-demand fields like computer science, the number was lower than expected. Ivy League MBAs are not immune either—23% of Harvard MBA graduates were unemployed three months after graduation in 2024. At Stanford, that figure was 18%, nearly double from just two years ago. Meanwhile, visa uncertainty continues. Optional practical training (OPT) and H-1B rules for visas remain inconsistent. Standardised testing, like the SAT, is making a comeback—adding yet another layer of complexity. As the stakes rise, I encourage students to redefine what success looks like. Elite institutions are fantastic platforms but they are not the only route to achievement. I often recommend Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni. It's a wake-up call for those obsessed with prestige. At the end of the day, real success depends on character, curiosity and grit—not just a brand name. Some of my students are exploring Indian post-grad options like the IIMs. Indian companies increasingly value homegrown talent—those who understand the market and are hungry to build something here. This isn't the new normal. It's a moment in flux. My message to students and parents is: stay flexible, stay informed and keep your eye on the long game. Be prepared to pivot. Don't tie your self-worth to a college name or a country's immigration policy. The path ahead demands resilience—the ability to adapt, to reinvent oneself, to embrace uncertainty. We are entering an era where resilience will matter more than résumés. That's what I tell my students when they call, worried, sometimes in tears. I remind them that uncertainty doesn't equal failure—it's just part of growth. In recent months, I have also found myself having deeper, more philosophical conversations with families which I never used to have 10 or 15 years ago. Parents are beginning to ask not just how to get in, but why they are pursuing this path in the first place. And students are more reflective. They care more about alignment—between their passions, purpose and the education they seek. It's no longer just about getting a US degree. It's about building a life that feels meaningful. My role is no longer just about helping them get into a college—it's about helping them think bigger, with confidence, no matter where they land. After all, the dream isn't changing. It's just getting smarter. The path may no longer be straight. But for those willing to stay the course, it can still lead to something extraordinary. The Ivy League dream is still alive—but maybe, just maybe, it's time to dream wider. (As told to Lijee Philip)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Visa interview suspension: US plans in limbo for Kol students
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: The unexpected halt in US student visa interview appointments has left students and parents distressed and educational advisers perplexed. The move has particularly affected recent Class XII graduates planning to commence undergraduate studies in the US this autumn. This decision by the Trump administration disrupted established plans and added pressure to students already managing a complex educational transition. "I was deeply shocked at the news because I was preparing for exams after getting accepted into a few universities. We even paid the deposit to the university and were about to schedule a visa interview. But now, after the news, it feels like a dead end. These updates are coming so abruptly that we didn't expect it, and now we don't know what to do. Since yesterday evening, I've started applying to colleges in Delhi and Mumbai as a backup. All I can do is hope for the best," said Manya Mishra, a SAT candidate. Shresth Jajodia, another student facing uncertainty, shared, "I was planning to apply for my visa soon, so the suspension news was really upsetting. Until now, I didn't have a solid backup plan, but with everything that's happening, I've started looking at alternate options. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo I'm confident about my chances because of my travel history, but without an interview slot, my entire plan to study in the US is at risk." Educational counsellors are experiencing increased enquiries from concerned families, leading them to investigate alternative educational pathways in different countries or within India. Parents express concerns about safety, practicality, and educational investment value amidst these developments. The recent availability of visa appointments followed by their sudden withdrawal left unprepared students without clear options. "I secured admission to a US university and was preparing for the next steps, but the sudden visa interview suspension created a lot of uncertainty. We were waiting on the I-20 process, and now everything's on hold. With no clear communication or timeline, it's hard to plan or decide what to do next, and many students like me are stuck in the same situation after putting in so much effort," said another Class XII graduate from GD Birla Centre for Education. The situation has prompted students to consider Indian educational institutions and alternative entrance examinations as contingency plans. Families remain in a state of watchful waiting, seeking resolution whilst reconsidering their educational strategies. The absence of reliable visa processing schedules has forced rapid decision-making about higher education, contrary to the usual extended planning period.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Facing US Student Visa Issues In 2025? Expert Advice, Alternatives, And What Comes Next
Navigating the complexities of US student visas can be daunting, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. From visa denials to regulatory changes, international students often find themselves in uncertain situations. In this series, we are exploring the most pressing questions and concerns, providing expert insights, practical advice, and guidance for students, parents, and educators alike. NDTV's Ambika Singh Kahma speaks to Abhinav Nath, an education expert, who holds a certification in International College Advising from the University of Pennsylvania, about the current challenges surrounding US student visas and the way forward for affected students: Question 1. If a student has an I-20 visa but can't go to the US due to visa denial, what options do they have? Abhinav Nath: If a student has an I-20 but cannot apply for a visa right now due to the recent pause, they should wait patiently for appointments to resume-it is certain they will. If the visa has been denied, try to investigate what went wrong during the interview process. Consider what question the visa officer asked that may have led to the denial. Reapply and prepare better for your interview. Alongside this, consider options in the UK, Europe, and even Australia, where the first semester (official academic year) begins in January/February. Question 2. How will recent changes in F-1 visa regulations impact international students in the US? Abhinav Nath: New F-1 changes have primarily impacted students planning to go in August/September 2025. The most significant change is the pause on visa appointments as an additional step of social media vetting is being introduced. Whether you're a future student or currently enrolled, being mindful of political activism is important. Anything that can be perceived as anti-nationalism by the US can endanger your F-1 visa status. Additionally, students must not break any laws, including missing classes. The US Embassy in India released a statement along these lines earlier this week (see below). Question 3. What are the alternatives for students who have admission in the US but are struggling to get a visa? Abhinav Nath: Be patient-visa appointments will become available. If you need alternatives, consider UK universities; many still have seats open. Explore European universities as well, many of which have rolling applications (e.g., IE Business School). Indian liberal arts colleges like FLAME and Krea also have final rounds open until mid-June. Lastly, Australia's academic year begins in January/February, so if students are open to a six-month gap, they can apply for the Jan/Feb intake. There are many options-stay positive about the US! Question 4. Can students with an I-20 pursue online courses from their home country, and will it affect their visa status? Abhinav Nath: If you have an I-20 and the F-1 visa but choose to take online courses from your home country, your I-20 status should remain valid. However, once you enter the US, your F-1 visa and SEVIS record become active, and to maintain that status, you must be enrolled full-time and attend in-person classes. Question 5. How can students prepare for potential visa interviews, and what are the most common questions asked? Abhinav Nath: Know why you selected the college you're attending-what makes it stand out? Understand your reasons for pursuing your chosen course. Be clear on how you or your parents will fund your education, and think through your future plans after graduation. You should be able to clearly articulate all of this during your interview. Question 6. What are the implications of visa delays or rejections on students' academic and career plans? Abhinav Nath: If there are visa delays, your university may allow a late arrival or give you the option to defer for a semester or a year, depending on whether they offer a Spring (January) intake. If your visa is rejected, reapply. If it's rejected twice, I recommend exploring other countries and institutions. From a career perspective, even in the worst-case scenario, one gap year won't cost you much-especially if you use it productively. Question 7. Are there any alternative countries or universities that students can consider if they're facing challenges with US visas? Abhinav Nath: Yes. As mentioned earlier, the UK, India, Europe, and Australia all offer excellent alternatives. Question 8. What happens if a student decides to join the university in the next term instead of the current one-can they use the same I-20, or do they need to apply for a new one? Abhinav Nath: Typically, the university will issue a new I-20, but this is a simple process, so students need not worry. If your F-1 visa has already been issued, you may not need to apply for it again (which is a blessing), but a reissued I-20 will still be required. Question 9. What are the key factors that determine visa approval or rejection, and how can students improve their chances? Abhinav Nath: The two biggest factors I've observed over the years are: 1. Your ability to clearly explain why you value a US education and why you chose that specific college. Your reasons should be genuine and academically motivated-not based on having distant relatives in that city or state. 2. Your post-education plans must be communicated clearly. While wanting to work in the US is fine, appearing desperate to stay permanently can hurt your chances. Question 10. What should be the plan of action for a student who is going to the US this year but doesn't have an appointment yet, considering the pause on visa appointments? Abhinav Nath: I recommend three things: 1. Be patient - Appointments are expected to open soon. Keep progressing with your visa application. 2. Have a Plan B - If you have other acceptances, consider securing your place by paying deposits. If not, apply elsewhere as a backup. 3. Prepare thoroughly for your interview - The pause suggests changes are coming (e.g., social media vetting), so be well-prepared for your visa interview. Abhinav has been an Independent Education Consultant for the past 8 years. His students have enrolled in top institutes such as Princeton University, the University of Chicago, the London School of Economics, University College London, and the University of Toronto.
