US to issue record number of student visas to Indians this year, as Canada tightens study permit rules

This year marks a historic milestone as a record number of student visas will be issued by the US to Indian students, continuing an impressive four-year streak. While the exact figures are yet to be released, the count has already surpassed last year¡¯s total of over 1.4 lakh visas, which made headlines as the highest issued by any country worldwide, according to TOI.

In 2023, the US Mission to India issued more student visas than in the combined years of 2018, 2019, and 2020, with 1.40 lakh Indian students heading to American universities.

This year, the number has exceeded even that impressive milestone.

The US Embassy noted that during the 2024 student visa season, they processed record-breaking numbers, ensuring all first-time applicants secured appointments across their five consular sections in India.

The PIE News quoted Brenda Soya, public affairs officer at the US Consulate General in Mumbai as saying: "The number of Indian students going to the US keeps growing, and we're proud to say every first-time applicant was able to get a visa appointment this year, something we hadn't achieved before."

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This surge comes as 3,37,630 Indian students currently study in the US, a notable increase amidst Canada's recent immigration policy changes, which have tightened student visa approvals.

Why are Indian students going to the US?

Consultants attribute the surge in Indian students heading to the US to a mix of factors, including the country's welcoming stance towards international students and changes in student visa policies elsewhere.

For example, Canada recently imposed a cap on study permits, limiting the influx of international students.

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Additionally, the US, with over 4,000 educational institutions, provides vast opportunities for students. The country is home to some of the world's top-ranked institutions, with 27 of the top 100 universities globally according to the QS World Rankings 2023.

Many of these universities don't require IELTS, though English proficiency must still be demonstrated.

But it's not just students benefiting from the US's open-door approach¡ªon Monday, the US Embassy announced the release of an additional 2.5 lakh visa appointments for Indian citizens. This move aims to "facilitate timely interviews and streamline the travel process," further strengthening the ties between the two nations and easing the path for those seeking opportunities in the US.

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