Regulation: Changes in U.S. Student Visa Policies

The issuance of student visas by the United States experienced a decline of approximately 19.1 percent in August 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. This reduction is attributed to recent policy changes implemented by the U.S. government.

Impact on International Students

Notably, the number of student visas issued to Indian nationals, who constitute the largest group of foreign students in the U.S., decreased by 44.5 percent. Additionally, there was a decline in visas issued to Chinese students, albeit at a lesser rate. Several Muslim-majority countries also witnessed significant reductions, with visas for Iranian students dropping by 86 percent. It is important to note that these figures pertain only to new visa issuances and do not reflect the total number of international students currently enrolled, as many continue their studies on previously issued visas.

Policy Developments

The U.S. administration has adopted a more stringent approach to immigration, affecting universities and their funding. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked numerous student visas, citing legal violations and other concerns. In June, a temporary suspension of student visa processing was enacted to enhance oversight of applicants’ social media activities. The administration instructed officials to scrutinize applications for any indications of hostility towards the U.S. or its institutions.

Despite these restrictive measures, the U.S. administration has expressed varying stances towards different countries. Initially, there were plans to limit the number of Chinese students, but later statements indicated an intention to admit 600,000 Chinese students, doubling the current number of Chinese students in the U.S.