Indian Student Enrollment in US Declines

Indian student enrollment in the United States has declined by approximately 6.9% as of February 2026, compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to stricter visa scrutiny and compliance requirements implemented by the United States, including expanded screening and vetting processes for visa applicants, particularly those in F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. The United States — United States Department of State announced these measures in June 2025, emphasizing that a United States visa is a privilege, not a right, and that every visa adjudication is a national security decision. Applicants are now required to adjust social media privacy settings to 'public' to facilitate vetting. The United States — Embassy of the United States, Abuja also confirmed ongoing visa monitoring post-approval, with rule-breaking potentially leading to revocation and deportation. The India — Ministry of External Affairs has been engaging with United States authorities to address these issues and promote legal mobility frameworks.