29-05-2025
25% fall likely in Indian students going to US, expert sees Europe, Japan rising
In a move that has triggered global concern, the Trump administration declared on Tuesday, May 27, that no new student visa interviews will be scheduled at US embassies worldwide. The decision aligns with efforts to restrict the number of international student intakes in the US. Additionally, another major announcement was made, aimed at tightening social media checks on foreign on the development, career counsellor Jitin Chawla told India Today Digital that by the end of this year, it is likely there will be a 25% dip in the number of students going to the restrictions could significantly impact the plans of thousands of aspirants, especially those targeting the Fall 2025 intake,' he said.
This directive was outlined in a diplomatic cable sent by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the same dual policy shift has sparked anxiety among students, parents, and education consultants alike, with many calling for greater clarity from the US administration."With effect from today, ahead of a potential ramp-up in required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should refrain from booking any additional student and exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further notice," the cable stated. Currently booked appointments, however, will go ahead as planned."The recent steps taken by the US have left students and parents in a dilemma and uncertainty, with many students contacting us with queries related to visa rules," Jitin Chawla noted, discussing the increasing anxiety among Indian students and EYE EUROPE, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA AFTER US POLICY CHANGESadvertisementEven though the US is the top destination for students in India, many are now exploring alternative options in Europe, Australia and Japan."The United States remains a top destination for higher studies, but the current delay in visas is forcing families to look at other alternatives," said Chawla."Three types of students are currently there -- the ones who have applied and wait, the ones waiting in transit for dates, and the ones who have not applied yet -- the third type is most affected," he also said that while the US had received most of the visa applications previously, the scenario could result in a decline of 20 to 25 percent of students going to the to the woes are political statements made by US President. "Trump has been giving tough statements. Students are scared that skipping classes may jeopardise their visa," Chawla dwindling, many are now looking at other nations. "The Netherlands and Finland are in vogue now, and Japan is too," Chawla to recent statistics, there are more than 200,000 Indian students currently pursuing higher education in the United States. With increasing visa uncertainty, though, this number may fall into flux as students start to take other global education centres more InMust Watch
