Indian Student Applications to US Colleges Decline 15% Amid Tighter Immigration Policies

The number of Indian students seeking admission to United States colleges and universities recorded a 15 percent decline for the 2025-26 academic year compared to the previous year. According to a report by the Common App, a non-profit organization representing over 1,100 institutions, this downward trend is part of a broader contraction in international admissions.

While overall application volume for undergraduate admission in the upcoming 2026-27 academic year showed an increase, the number of international applicants through March 1 fell by 10 percent. The report notes that this represents the steepest decline on record for international applicants. India currently stands as the top source of international students in the US, with over 3.63 lakh students enrolling for different courses during the 2024-25 academic year.

The contraction follows tightening immigration policies and stricter visa rules. Earlier findings by NAFSA and research firm JB International projected that these regulatory shifts could lead to up to 1.1 lakh fewer registrations of international students in US higher education institutions for Fall 2026. Estimated international student registrations dropped from 11.69 lakh in Fall 2025-26 to 10.57 lakh.

This shift in student mobility also carries economic implications. International students contributed USD 41.77 billion to the local economy in Fall 2025-26, a figure projected to decline to USD 38.37 billion for 2026-27.

Regulatory changes introduced in recent months include a notification by the US government in July eliminating traditional 'duration of status' for student and visitor visas, capping stays at four years to match the typical duration of an academic course. Additionally, the US is considering a USD 100,000 fee on foreign students who wish to use the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to work in the country after graduation.

"The 15 percent decline in Indian student applications to US colleges highlights the direct impact of regulatory tightening on international mobility and cross-border education markets. With stricter visa durations and potential fees under consideration, educational institutions and related service sectors will need to adapt to lower international enrollment projections and reduced economic contributions. For founders and businesses operating in the edtech and student mobility sectors, this policy shift signals a critical need to diversify destination markets and re-evaluate growth strategies." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes