US Visa Curbs May Cut International Student Enrolment by 1.1 Lakh in Fall 2026
US visa curbs could reduce international student enrolment by up to 1.1 lakh in Fall 2026, with Indian students among the largest groups affected.
Stricter visa policies and growing uncertainty could result in up to 1.1 lakh fewer international student enrolments at US colleges and universities in Fall 2026, according to a report by NAFSA and research firm JB International. The decline could also mean $3.4 billion in lost local spending and around 39,000 fewer jobs.
US International Student Enrolment Could Fall
The report estimates that international student enrolment in the US could fall from 11.69 lakh in Fall 2025-26 to 10.57 lakh in 2026-27. International students contributed approximately $41.77 billion to the US economy in Fall 2025-26, but that contribution is projected to decline to $38.37 billion this year.
The projected decline comes amid tighter travel policies, changing student visa rules and uncertainty surrounding the ability of international students to remain in the US.
Indian Students Remain the Largest Group
India continues to be the largest source of international students in the United States. More than 3.63 lakh Indian students enrolled in US institutions during the 2024-25 academic year.
For students applying for a US visa for Indians, these developments could add to concerns around visa availability, processing timelines and changing student visa restrictions. The report also noted that the Department of State's decision to prioritise FIFA World Cup ticket holders over students during the peak visa season has affected international enrolments.
Four-Year Stay Rule Adds to Uncertainty
The latest enrolment projections also come after the Department of Homeland Security finalised a rule limiting international students' stay in the US to four years without an extension. The change could particularly affect students pursuing longer doctoral programmes or those seeking temporary work after graduation.
For students planning an F-1 to H1B visa transition, the evolving rules could make long-term planning more important. Students and families considering an F-1 student visa should closely track official updates on visa processing and compliance rather than relying on assumptions about how long they can remain in the US.
Stay connected with Smart Immigrant for more updates on US immigration and policy changes.
Read full News here:
