Amid the tightening of immigration policies, the number of Indian students seeking admission to U.S. colleges declined by 15% in 2025-26 over the previous year, according to a report.
It also allows students to transition to an H-1B visa sponsored by employers. Earlier, a report by an organisation of educators said that stricter visa rules and uncertain policy are expected to lead to up to 1.1 lakh fewer international student registrations at U.S. colleges and universities in Fall 2026. According to a report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and research firm JB International, international student registrations in Fall 2025-26 were estimated at 11.69 lakh, down this year to 10.57 lakh. OPT allows foreign nationals who enter the United States on a student visa to work in the U.S. for 12 months, or in some cases 24, months.
In July, the U.S. government announced new rules eliminating the traditional “duration of status” for student and visitor visas, capping stays at 4 years, which is the usual duration of an academic course.
A report, representing over 1,100 institutions, released by the Common App, shows that although application volume for undergraduate admission in the upcoming 2026-27 academic year rose overall, the number of international applicants through March 1 fell 10%, the steepest decline on record.
