US Sees 13.5% Drop in Indian Students as Active Records Fall by Nearly 50,000
The number of active Indian student records in the United States has declined by 13.5% in one year, falling to 316,893 in October 2026 from 366,258 in October 2025. The decline comes amid tighter student visa scrutiny, processing delays and uncertainty surrounding post-study employment opportunities. Despite the fall, India remains the largest source country for international students in the US, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
NEARLY 50,000 FEWER INDIAN STUDENTS IN THE US
The number of active Indian student records in the United States has declined by 13.5% in one year, falling to 316,893 in October 2026 from 366,258 in October 2025. The decline comes amid tighter student visa scrutiny, processing delays and uncertainty surrounding post-study employment opportunities. Despite the fall, India remains the largest source country for international students in the US, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
How Much Have Indian Student Numbers Declined?
SEVIS data show that the US recorded 49,365 fewer active Indian student records compared with October 2025. The decline was also steeper than the overall international student decrease of 7.07% during the same period.
The figures reveal different trends across academic programmes:
- Master's students: Declined 20.1%, from 292,929 to 234,034.
- Bachelor's students: Fell 6.5%, from 38,522 to 36,011.
- Doctoral students: Increased 45.9%, from 28,609 to 41,729.
India's decline was greater than China's, which recorded a 10.2% fall in active student records.
Why Are Fewer Indian Students Choosing the US?
The decline follows several changes to US student visa policies. In June 2025, the administration expanded screening of student visa applicants, including checks of their social media activity.
Visa appointment delays, stricter scrutiny and uncertainty around post-study work opportunities have also influenced decisions among international applicants.
An Institute of International Education survey found that new international student enrolments declined by 17% in the 2025–26 academic year. Among institutions reporting lower new enrolments, 96% cited visa-related concerns.
What Does This Mean for Indian Students Planning to Study in the US?
The figures indicate a changing pattern in US-bound Indian student mobility, particularly at the master's level. Prospective applicants may need to consider visa timelines, university admission requirements and post-study employment options more carefully.
However, the SEVIS figures represent active student records at a particular point in time, including graduates participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). They do not represent only new university admissions or annual enrolments.
While the US continues to attract Indian students, visa uncertainty and changing immigration policies remain important considerations for those planning their education and career pathways.
Stay connected with Smart Immigrant for more updates on US immigration and student visa developments.
