Latest news with #SEVIS
NDTV
a day ago
- Business
- NDTV
F1 Visa, College Choices And Career Goals: A Guide To Studying Abroad
Reported by Ambika Singh Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but navigating the complex maze of applications, visa rules, university requirements and financial planning can be overwhelming. With rising competition and evolving global policies, expert guidance has become more crucial than ever. While seeking admission to a prestigious US college, children and their parents are faced with big questions like - will they get their F1 visa? What if the visa application gets rejected? If you can't get your F1 visa, what are the other options? In this series, NDTVs Ambika Singh Kahma will bring you all the answers and more to clear your doubts about going and studying in the US. From navigating the complexities of the F1 visa process to exploring alternative pathways, we'll try to provide you with expert insights, practical advice, and real-life examples to help you make informed decisions. In this story, Anjana Anand, Founder and CEO of FYCGlobal, answers some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to calm the anxiety of students and parents, especially in the wake of the US' crackdown on international students. What are the latest developments in US student visa policies, and how might they affect international students? Anjana Anand: Visa processes are stricter now, students need to be extra clear about their intent and have all their documents in order. How do recent changes in F1 visa regulations impact a student's ability to study, work, or stay in the US after graduation? Anjana Anand: There's a closer watch on how students use work permits like OPT everything has to match your course and be logged properly. What steps can students take to avoid SEVIS violations and ensure they remain in good standing while in the US? Anjana Anand: Stay enrolled full-time, report any changes on time, and don't take up part-time work unless it's officially allowed. What are the most common mistakes students and families make when choosing a study abroad destination? Anjana Anand: Many follow rankings or friends without asking what truly fits them. They overlook the importance of learning style, campus vibe, and long-term goals. As I say to every family I work with: Not every student will go to Harvard. But every student can find their Harvard. The right college is the one where you grow, belong, and thrive. How should a student evaluate the difference between a public and private university in the US, especially for business studies? Anjana Anand: Public ones are usually cheaper and bigger; private universities can offer smaller classes and stronger networks. It really depends on your style and goals. What are the key academic and cultural differences between the US and countries like India or the UK? Anjana Anand: The US system is flexible and interactive - you're expected to speak up, explore subjects, and build relationships with professors. The UK is more focused and independent, with fewer assessments and deeper subject specialisation from day one. Indian students need to shift from rote learning to critical thinking, and be proactive in class and on campus. If a student's F1 visa is denied, what options do they have? Anjana Anand: They can reapply, or explore solid alternatives like Canada, the UK, Ireland, EU or Singapore. And for undergrad, India is becoming a serious contender, with global-quality programs in business, liberal arts and tech. India's growing economy offers increasing opportunities and here, you're not a visitor, you're the first citizen. Sometimes, the right path is closer than we think. How can students make the most of CPT and OPT without breaking any rules? Anjana Anand: Plan early, talk to your college advisor, and make sure the job is linked to your major: that's key. How should students choose a country or course based on long-term goals? Think beyond college: what kind of life or career do you want after? Choose a place that supports that. What's the biggest dilemma parents face in this journey? And how should parents think about success today? Anjana Anand: Letting go a little. Balancing their dreams for the child with what the child actually wants: it's not easy. About success, they need to understand that success isn't just a fancy college name. It's about the child being happy, adaptable and doing work that means something to them. Anjana Anand has 29 years of experience across education, social work and youth mentoring. She has been honoured with the Youth Change Maker Award (2022) and WCCA Career Coach Award (2025).
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chinese college students in Michigan among those nationwide facing direct threats of visa revocation
The International Center at Michigan State University | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz The immigration status of thousands of Chinese international students housed in Michigan, and hundreds of thousands across the country, is under intense threat from federal officials which could lead to future deportations if they decide to take action. 'The U.S. will begin revoking visas of Chinese students,' read a post on the social media platform X by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday afternoon. Along with the post on 'X', the U.S. Department of State released a press statement in which Rubio specified that 'under President Trump's leadership,' Chinese students' visas will be 'aggressively' revoked, including those 'with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.' 'We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong,' the statement concluded. The revocation threats came shortly after the U.S. government decided to halt new student visa interviews for foreign applicants to U.S. colleges, where they plan to use the review of social media activity as a filter. A week ago, during a U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee meeting, Rubio stated that 'visas are a privilege, not a right.' As of that moment, there was no exact count of how many visas had been revoked; it could be thousands, and, according to him, they 'probably have more to do.' These actions came as part of an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration against both the international student community and the Chinese government. Since early spring, several hundred visas and SEVIS records of foreign students have been revoked indiscriminately and without explanation at universities across the country. Chinese students were among those. In Michigan, dozens of international students were affected by this policy, and although some of them had their visa records restored days later, the uncertainty about their future remained latent. The nationalities of the students whose visas and SEVIS records were revoked were never officially confirmed. Around the country, several foreign students, Chinese citizens among them, started suing the current administration to have their visas and SEVIS records restored. A Chinese doctoral student from MSU sued the Trump administration to have his status reinstated. On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the new actions taken by the Trump administration during a press conference. Regarding the tense situation surrounding student visas, Ning responded to a question from Bloomberg, stating that this unjustified decision uses national security as a pretext. 'It seriously hurts the lawful rights and interests of international students from China, and disrupts people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. China firmly opposes it and has protested to the U.S. over the decision,' Ning said. Even though tensions between Chinese university students in Michigan and the U.S. government can be traced back to shortly before Trump began his second term, the latest statement from the federal government specifically targets them, exposing them all to uncertainty. Five Chinese University of Michigan alumni were charged last October with misleading U.S. authorities following an FBI investigation into their activities around the Camp Grayling National Guard base. Although it was unclear whether the students were arrested, the case sparked national security concerns. Chinese students are among the largest groups within the international student community. Michigan colleges and universities house thousands of Chinese students per year under the F1, J1, or M1 visas, which include regular students, researchers, and vocational trainees. At Michigan State University (MSU) alone, Chinese students make up the majority of the international student population, with a total of 1,016 students, according to the Geographical Sources of Students report from the Spring semester of this year. At the University of Michigan (UM), according to the 2024 annual report from the International Center, Chinese students also represent the largest international group, totaling 4,046 individuals. Prior to publication, the Michigan Advance reached out in person to MSU's Office for International Students and Scholars seeking comment. However, the OISS responded that, due to the lack of clear information about the federal government's decisions, they are not in a position to provide any comments. MSU spokesperson, Amber McCann, in an emailed statement to the Advance, stated that MSU is 'closely monitoring recent federal policy changes' and analyzing the consequences that could affect international students in order to 'provide guidance and support'. 'International education and exchange are fundamental to Michigan State University's identity as a leading public global research university. We will continue to advocate for policies that enable us to welcome international students and scholars from around the world and promote global engagement,' McCann concluded. Neither the University of Michigan nor the U of M International Center responded to requests for comment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Red flags for US higher education: SEVIS data shows decline in international student enrolments
Decline in international student enrolments threatens US higher education Recent analysis of data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) has raised alarm bells regarding international student enrolments in the US for the 2024/25 academic year. According to the data, enrolments have dropped by 11% from March 2024 to March 2025, resulting in a loss of approximately $4 billion in economic impact. This decline comes despite earlier reports from the Institute of International Education (IIE), which indicated a 3% increase in enrolments for Fall 2024. Experts suggest that the decline can be attributed to a combination of rising visa refusal rates, changing international student preferences, and evolving political conditions under the US administration. As reported by ICEF, Chris Glass, a higher education expert at Boston College, highlights that the situation is exacerbated by tightening US immigration policies, including anticipated travel restrictions under President Trump's administration. Trump's Policies Stir Uncertainty The Trump administration's aggressive stance on higher education, often dubbed a 'war on universities,' has heightened fears among international students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Policies such as visa revocations—hundreds of student visas were canceled in early 2025—and threats to cut federal funding for non-compliant institutions have created a chilling effect. For instance, Harvard University faced a temporary halt in its ability to enroll international students, impacting roughly 25% of its student body, before a federal judge intervened. The administration's actions, including freezing $2.2 billion in Harvard's federal grants, have raised concerns about financial stability for tuition-dependent colleges. Major declines from key markets The SEVIS data reveals significant drops in international student numbers from several key countries, most notably India. Between March 2024 and March 2025, enrolments from India fell by 28%, a sharp reversal of previous growth trends. Mr. Glass, as quoted by ICEF, explained that Indian students are particularly drawn to US graduate STEM programs, and the declining enrolments are linked to visa refusals, affordability issues, and negative perceptions of US policies. Another worrying trend is the 20.5% drop in foreign enrolments in master's programs, especially within the STEM fields. "International graduate students aren't supplemental income — they're critical scientific infrastructure," said Mr. Glass. "They don't merely augment American scientific leadership — in many critical domains, they constitute it," he added. The decrease in master's-level enrolments could have long-term consequences for the US's standing in global research and technological development. Country March 24 March 25 Change % Change China 255,146 263,510 +8,364 3.28% India 354,295 255,442 -98,853 -27.90% South Korea 46,243 47,928 +1,685 3.64% Canada 33,455 32,201 -1,254 -3.75% Brazil 32,992 28,410 -4,582 -13.89% Nigeria 23,433 19,685 -3,748 -15.99% Source: Chris Glass Decline in doctoral programs The downturn is also felt in doctoral programs. As reported by ICEF, the number of international doctoral students has fallen slightly from 175,657 in March 2024 to 167,689 in March 2025. This marks a shift from steady growth in previous years. The following table illustrates the number of international students in doctoral programs over the last decade: Year Number of Doctoral Students Year Number of Doctoral Students April 2014 129,394 February 2015 135,651 March 2016 138,487 March 2017 142,808 March 2018 149,046 March 2019 153,271 January 2020 161,192 March 2021 153,764 May 2022 162,231 March 2023 168,045 March 2024 175,657 March 2025 167,689 Source: SEVIS Data Mapping Tool Visa refusals and policy changes As quoted by ICEF, Mr. Glass emphasizes that the rising visa refusal rates and delays in visa processing are major contributors to the decline. He further adds, "These factors, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding US immigration policies, are pushing international students towards other destinations like Canada and the UK." The situation is exacerbated by stories of mistreatment of international students, including reports of ICE detaining students involved in protests, which has heightened fears among prospective students. The impact of US policies is clear, with Mr. Glass warning, "We don't need to wait for November to see the warning signs. The data on the dashboard are flashing red before our eyes," as quoted by ICEF. Financial Fallout for US Colleges International students, who often pay full tuition, contributed $43.8 billion to the US economy in 2023-24, supporting over 378,000 jobs. However, with 42% of prospective international students reconsidering US study due to visa restrictions and safety concerns, colleges face significant revenue losses. A survey by IDP Education noted that only 48% of Indian students and 27% of Chinese students view studying in the US positively, reflecting a sharp decline in confidence from key markets. Public research universities, which rely on international tuition to offset declining state funding, are particularly vulnerable. Global Competition Intensifies As the US grapples with these challenges, competitors like Canada, Australia, and the UK are capitalizing on the shift. Sweden saw a 37% surge in student interest, while Finland and Singapore reported increases of 36% and 30%, respectively. These countries offer more welcoming visa policies and stable political environments, drawing students away from the US. The IIE warns that continued policy hostility could jeopardize America's academic and economic strength, as international students like Ma Tianyu, a computer science student from China, weigh safer alternatives abroad despite the allure of US programs. Long-term implications for US higher education The decline in international student enrolments could lead to far-reaching consequences for US higher education. As reported by ICEF, government funding for research in scientific fields has already been significantly reduced, including a 78% budget cut for the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). This, Mr. Glass notes, could severely impact the ability of US universities to sustain their leadership in global scientific research. 'International students are the backbone of many research labs,' Mr. Glass warned. "Without them, the US risks falling behind in fields like artificial intelligence and renewable energy." The future of US higher education, as it struggles with these enrolment declines, remains uncertain. Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! Hurry, only a few seats left.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Over 69,000 Indian students face deportation risk as US tightens OPT unemployment rules
A wave of uncertainty has swept across the international student community in the US as thousands of students on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program have started receiving warning letters from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The letters threaten termination of their SEVIS records and potential deportation due to alleged violations of employment reporting rules. This enforcement action significantly impacts Indian students, who form the second-largest group of international students in the US. According to the Open Doors Report for the 2022-23 academic year, there were 270,000 Indian students in the US, with nearly 69,000 of them participating in the OPT program. These students now face the risk of losing their legal status due to administrative lapses in reporting employment details. Stricter OPT enforcement leads to legal consequences At the heart of the issue is the strict enforcement of existing OPT unemployment rules. OPT regulations allow international students to remain unemployed for up to 90 days during their 12-month OPT period. Those on a STEM-OPT extension are granted an additional 60 days. Students are required to update their employment status on the SEVIS portal within 10 days of any change, including a new job, job loss, or change in work location. As reported by the TNN, immigration attorney Snehal Batra of NPZ Law Group said, 'The recent ICE letters indicate that a student's SEVIS record will be terminated if there is no employer information listed. This means the student either failed to report the OPT job on time or exceeded the allowed unemployment period.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Batra added that, in the past, SEVIS records were not typically terminated automatically for such violations, but under the current administration's strict approach, students can fall out of status more easily. Letters mirror past policy under Trump-Pence administration The wording in the current ICE letters reportedly mirrors those issued in 2020 during the Trump-Pence administration. As per the TNN, experts note a visible uptick in the number of such letters now being sent, indicating renewed focus on enforcement under the Trump presidency. A sample letter viewed by the TNN states, 'Because there is no employer information in your SEVIS record, you are accumulating unemployment days and may have exceeded the permissible period of unemployment. ' The letter further warns students to correct their SEVIS records within 15 days or face immigration proceedings. Schools and DSOs under pressure Traditionally, compliance with SEVIS reporting was managed by the Designated School Officials (DSOs). However, as per immigration lawyer Jath Shao, quoted by the TNN, 'ICE has been going in and terminating people who have accumulated more than 90 days of unemployment.' He added that in some instances, the failure to update SEVIS was due to delays by DSOs, though US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reinstated student status once records were corrected. Advisories issued and guidance to students The NAFSA: Association of International Educators has issued a special advisory, urging DSOs to monitor 'Accrued unemployment days' alerts and to actively follow up with students nearing their unemployment limits. It also reminds students to promptly update employment details via the SEVIS portal or through their school DSO. Poovi Chothani, managing partner at LawQuest, advised, as reported by the TNN, that students nearing their limit should consider legal alternatives such as leaving the US, enrolling in a new program, or applying for a different visa status like B-2. Batra also recommended, 'Students should maintain written records of all employment, including employer name, job title, dates of work, hours, and supervisor details,' which could support future visa or status change applications, as noted by the TNN.
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
‘Everything at stake' for Indian students as US pauses visa interviews amid social media vetting plan
This development is the latest in a series of crackdowns by the Trump administration on international students. Last week, the administration ordered a halt to the enrolment of new international students at Harvard University. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the move. A Delhi-based student, who has an interview at the US Embassy this week, called the reports 'a nightmare'. 'Everything is at stake at this moment. Although my interview is on so far, I do not know how things will proceed amid so much uncertainty,' the student said, speaking to ThePrint on condition of anonymity. New Delhi: Recent reports that the Donald Trump-led United States administration has asked embassies to 'pause scheduling new interviews for student visa applicants' are creating unease among thousands of Indian students set to join US universities this year. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a diplomatic cable Tuesday, asking embassies and consular sections to pause scheduling new student visa interviews, Politico reported. The cable reportedly cited potential plans to require all foreign student applicants to undergo social media vetting. However, so far, there is no official order confirming the policy. During a press conference later in the evening Tuesday, Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson of the US Department of State, commented that the news reports on the decision likely came from 'leaked material'. However, Bruce emphasised, 'Every sovereign country has a right to know who is trying to come in, why they want to come in, who they are, what they have been doing, and at least hopefully within that framework determine what they will be doing while they are here.' If the Trump administration proceeds with the plan, student visa processing may face indefinite delays, potentially causing financial challenges for numerous universities that rely extensively on international students for funds. An Open Doors Report showed US institutes enrolled 3,31,602 Indian students in the 2023-24 academic year, making India the largest source of international students flocking to the US. Of the 1,126,690 international students in the US, 29.4 percent are Indian students. Another Indian student aiming for postgraduate studies at an Ivy League university this year also has an upcoming interview at the embassy. Mixed news is pouring in from his peers, giving him significant anxiety. 'A Bangladeshi student's visa was approved, but that is just one case. Everyone else has had their visas put on hold or rejected,' he said, requesting anonymity. He said that he has so far paid nearly $1,500 in application fees, college acceptance fees, SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fees, and visa application fees. 'Besides, the tuition fee is nearly $101,200 per year, and I am yet to pay it,' the student said. 'All of it feels like a complete waste of time at this moment.' Students generally pay tuition fees after joining the university and, before that, the college acceptance fees. Also Read: IMF growth outlook is cautiously optimistic. It seems to leave out impact of larger disruptions in US Concerns over social media vetting The Politico report cites a cable stating, 'Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued via a 'septel', which we anticipate in the coming days.' The term 'septel' is state department shorthand for 'separate telegram'. The cable reportedly does not specify what future social media vetting would screen for. However, it references executive orders on checking terrorism and antisemitism, according to Politico. Students are very apprehensive about the upcoming social media vetting policy. A student at Harvard Kennedy School told ThePrint that a senior who returned to the US days ago had to pass a thorough vetting at the airport, including a search of his phone. 'Right now, we do not know which social media likes or comments will get you into trouble. The policy announcement is pending,' the student said during a phone interview, requesting anonymity. However, Shreya Mishra Reddy, an Indian student enrolled in a leadership development programme at Harvard Business School, stated in a post on LinkedIn that extensive social media screenings for all international students will become part of the process. 'Currently, the departments concerned are conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor visa applicants. The freeze is a further escalation from current screening measures, which have primarily targeted students who participated in pro-Palestinian campus protests,' she said. Uncertainty despite long, rigorous admission According to consultants and students, the entire process of admission to a good college in the US may take years of hard work. Sakshi Mittal, the founder of the education consultancy University Leap, said that students work tirelessly for four years to secure admission to top universities. 'Parents and students invest heavily in SAT preparations, taking coaching classes, and participating in extracurricular activities. For many who finally achieved their dream, the hope of studying in the US feels uncertain now,' Mittal said. 'Some of our students have already secured visa interview slots and received their visas, but others on waitlists or recently admitted are extremely stressed. Many had not applied to alternative universities and are now rushing to apply last-minute to universities in the UK and other countries,' she added. 'On average, parents spend between Rs two crore and four crore for an undergraduate programme at a top U.S. university.' Mittal also advised some students to defer their admissions if the decision is irreversible, adding that she is hoping for a reversal of the decision soon. A student set to join a law course at a reputed US university described the visa process as lengthy. She explained that after a US college accepts a student, the student receives a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 to apply for an F-1 or a J-1 visa, respectively. Then, pay the SEVIS fee and complete the online DS-160 visa application form. Then, schedule a visa interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate and prepare all necessary documents. These include the passport, I-20 or DS-2019, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, university admission and invitation letters, financial proof, and academic records. 'The visa appointment happens in two steps—first, the biometric, and then, the actual interview on a separate date. My biometrics are complete. I am anxious and uncertain about my interview scheduled for next week. But I believe that, as with all other decisions of the Trump administration, this will also be revoked, or reverted,' she said, requesting anonymity. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: US pushes for direct India-Pakistan talks, 'dealmaker' Trump ready to aid 'pursuit of peace'
