US study dream takes a hit? Indian student pull back from US colleges amid Trump's tougher immigration rules, applications fall 15%
In July, the US announced plans to change the way student and visitor visas are issued. Under the proposed system, the existing duration of status arrangement would be replaced, with stays generally limited to a maximum of four years.
US study dream takes a hit? Indian student pull back from US colleges amid Trump's tougher immigration rules, applications fall 15% (Image: AI generated/representational)
Stricter US immigration and visa rules under the Donald Trump administration appear to be making Indian students more cautious about applying to American colleges. Applications from students in India dropped by 15 per cent for the 2025-26 admission cycle compared with the previous year, according to data from Common App, a non-profit platform used by more than 1,100 colleges and universities.
The decline comes at a time when the overall number of undergraduate applications to US colleges has increased. International applications, however, have seen a different trend.
Applications from students outside the US were down 10 per cent through March 1, marking the biggest fall recorded so far. India saw one of the sharpest declines with applications falling 15 per cent.
India has become the largest source of international students for the US, making the drop particularly important for American universities that rely heavily on overseas enrolments.
The fall in applications has also raised concerns about international student numbers in the coming academic year. A separate study by NAFSA and research firm JB International warned that tighter visa rules and uncertainty over US policies could result in around 1.1 lakh fewer international students enrolling in US colleges and universities in Fall 2026.
The report estimated that about 11.69 lakh international students enrolled in US institutions in the 2025-26 academic year. That number could drop to nearly 10.57 lakh in 2026-27 if the current trend continues.
Such a decline could have a major impact on both Indian students planning to study abroad and US universities that depend on international students for enrolment and revenue.
Indians biggest source of international students
More than 3.63 lakh Indian students studied at American colleges and universities during the 2024-25 academic year, making India the largest source of international students in the US.
A continued fall in the number of foreign students could also hurt the US economy. According to the report, international students added an estimated USD 41.77 billion to the US economy during Fall 2025-26. That contribution could fall to around USD 38.37 billion in 2026-27 if fewer students choose to study in the country.
The decline comes as the US government introduces or considers several changes to its immigration and visa system, creating greater uncertainty for students planning to study there.
In July, the US government announced plans to change the way student and visitor visas are issued. Under the proposed system, the existing "duration of status" arrangement would be replaced, with stays generally limited to a maximum of four years.
The US is also considering a USD 100,000 fee for foreign students who want to use the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. OPT allows international students to work in the US after completing their studies.
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