New Delhi: Indian students are increasingly turning away from the United States amid a series of strict measures introduced by the Trump administration, including tighter visa limits, higher H1B visa fees, and a proposed 15% cap on international students at US universities.
According to US government data, the number of Indian students arriving on visas fell by 44.5% in August 2025 compared to last year, following a 46% drop in July. Students, parents, and study abroad counsellors confirm that the trend is largely due to visa restrictions, university crackdowns, and a weak job market.
Many students are now exploring alternatives in the UK, Germany, Australia, and Singapore. Parents report that the uncertainty and stress associated with US visas have made sending children to America less appealing.
The new policies also directly affect H1B visa pathways, a traditional route for Indian graduates to work in the US and eventually gain permanent residency. Companies have reportedly rescinded job offers for international students to avoid visa complications. Students who have taken loans to study in America are particularly vulnerable.
The Trump administration has also implemented expanded social media checks, visa revocations for politically active students, and budget pressures on universities like Harvard, creating further uncertainty for foreign students. Additionally, a four-year limit on student visas is impacting PhD students, who often require 5–7 years for research.
As a result, fewer students are transitioning from Master’s to PhD programs, and scholarship-funded students are being prioritised for US education. Many parents and students now view the US as a less welcoming destination, with interest shifting toward countries with more predictable policies.
