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Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US student visa slots still scarce; Indian students risk losing lakhs
It's been nearly two weeks since the US consulates resumed student visa interviews on June 26, but for Indian applicants, the scramble hasn't eased. Appointments remain scarce, delays continue, and growing uncertainty is throwing August travel plans into disarray. 'Right now, even though the US finally started releasing visa appointments again, it's honestly a mess. Slots open at random times, and they're gone in seconds,' Kajal Dave, co-founder of LaunchEd told Business Standard. 'Students with courses starting in August are freaking out because they've already paid lakhs in tuition, booked flights, and arranged housing—but can't get a visa appointment in time.' According to her, the potential financial hit is huge. 'We're talking about ₹10–30 lakh in tuition, another lakh or two for housing deposits, and at least ₹75,000 on flights. If they can't make it on time and the college won't let them defer, that's potentially ₹12–35 lakh down the drain. That's a huge hit for any family,' she said. The anxiety has spilled over to online forums. One student posted on Reddit: 'STILL NO F1 VISA SLOTS in INDIA. Guys, I am panicking so much right now. They are still not opening the visa slots in India. What do I do? My course starts August 20 and I have not even packed or bought airplane tickets. I feel so lost and hopeless right now.' The post, now widely circulated among student communities, captured the broader mood. Another user replied, 'My orientation is on August 15 and my tickets are for August 13. If I reschedule, the fare difference is almost double.' Others highlighted a rising number of 221(G) notices issued to students whose interviews had already taken place. These administrative holds leave applicants waiting indefinitely, with little clarity on timelines. One user wrote, 'Even those who have given the interview are worried because they're being issued 221(g)s, and no one knows when the visas will actually be approved.' Another added, 'I can't find any available slots anywhere in India. The official US Embassy website even states, 'We cannot guarantee that student or exchange visitor visa applicants without an existing appointment will be able to schedule an interview this summer.' Does this mean there won't be any more bulk slot openings before Fall 2025?' US visa freeze during peak season caused cascading backlog The freeze, which began on May 27, halted visa appointment scheduling during one of the busiest periods for US-bound students. The effects are now being felt across the education sector, from summer exchange programmes to postgraduate admissions. 'Several students are struggling to secure US visa appointments despite repeated attempts. Slots are either booked in seconds or unavailable,' Mamta Shekhawat, founder of told Business Standard. 'This is not just a few isolated cases. It's affecting students across India, regardless of their location or the university they plan to attend.' Siddharth Iyer, chief operating officer at OneStep Global, confirmed that the problem extends to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to alternate consulates is limited. 'Even in metro locations, the pace of slot release hasn't matched the demand. This is particularly concerning given that most courses begin mid-August, and many students have already paid tuition and signed leases,' Iyer told Business Standard. He described the delays as part of a larger pattern. 'What we're witnessing is less about individual delay and more about systemic bottlenecking,' he said. Some avoided delays by applying early Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, said some students avoided the mess altogether. 'As soon as they received their acceptance letters, they immediately completed their visa applications and related paperwork. This proactive approach helped them bypass the uncertainty and delays that arose later in the season,' Anand told Business Standard. What's causing the continued shortage of student visa slots? According to experts, the root of the problem lies in a combination of backlog and policy changes under the Trump administration. 'There are two layers to this,' said Iyer. 'The immediate issue is the backlog created by the month-long freeze on new appointments during peak season no less. But the second, more structural issue is the evolving US visa adjudication policy. Increased scrutiny of digital footprints and social media history has introduced friction in processing timelines.' Applicants are reportedly being asked to make their social media accounts public so consular officers can review them before granting entry. The increased vetting is labour-intensive and time-consuming. 'There's a broader recalibration happening in how visas are being assessed globally. So, it's not just about volume, but also the processing time per case,' Iyer added. What can students do if they don't get a visa in time? Anand said students have a few options if they're unable to secure an appointment in time. Emergency appointment requests: Students can apply for expedited visa appointments through the UStraveldocs website, with documentation showing urgent need to begin a course. University support: Students should notify their university's Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to explore deferral, online study options, or temporary leave. Updated I-20 and SEVIS records: If deferral is granted, the DSO can issue a new I-20 and update the SEVIS record. 'The best thing to do right now is to get in touch with your university's international student office as soon as possible,' said Dave. 'Explain what's happening, ask if you can defer, and request an official letter explaining the urgency. That can support your emergency visa request, but don't fall for agents promising guaranteed appointments—that's just not how it works.' She also advised students to check for slots late at night, between midnight and 3 am, when cancellations are sometimes released. Iyer added that current wait times for F-1 visa interviews in India range from 45 to 60 days depending on the city, with Kolkata averaging 60 days and Chennai 45. This does not include any additional processing time after the interview. What is the financial cost if a visa is not granted in time? According to Anand, the potential losses vary but can be considerable: Application fees: Non-refundable Tuition deposits: Refund policies vary by university Tuition fees: Partial or no refund depending on when the student withdraws Housing deposits: Often non-refundable or charged with cancellation fees, especially in private rentals Airfare: Non-refundable tickets usually incur cancellation charges or are converted into credits with added fees Other expenses: Including F-1 visa fee ($205), SEVIS I-901 fee ($350), transcripts, and test costs 'The losses, unfortunately, depend on various factors,' Anand said. Is there a legal or formal route for help? 'There are a couple of formal and legal methods by which students can address emergencies, especially visa procedures,' said Shekhawat. Students can use the 'Request Expedite' option on the official US visa site, submit supporting documents from their university, and contact consulates through official channels. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) may also provide guidance, although it does not intervene in appointment scheduling. 'Credible education consultants should also be able to guide students, but they must steer clear of unofficial agents or promises of guaranteed slots. That's where scams begin,' she warned.
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Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Want a UK degree? You could graduate with over Rs 62 lakh in debt
Students in England are now leaving university with average debts of £53,000 (nearly ₹62.43 lakh) according to new data from the Student Loans Company (SLC). The figure marks a 10% rise from last year's average of £48,270 and reflects a growing dependence on loans to meet rising living expenses. The SLC's latest release for the 2024–25 academic year reveals a stark gap in borrowing across the UK. In Scotland, where local students do not pay tuition, average debt is £17,000. In Northern Ireland it stands at £28,000, while students in Wales owe around £39,470 on average. As prices climb, many students are taking on paid work during term time to manage their finances. A survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute found that 68% of full-time students in the UK are now working, up from 56% a decade ago. The average working week is now 13 hours—more than at any time in the last ten years. Meanwhile, nearly 3 million graduates are repaying student loans. According to the SLC, 40% of those required to pay are making monthly repayments averaging £1,100 in 2024–25. The size of the student loan book in England has soared to £266 billion—up from £64 billion just ten years ago. It is expected to grow further, with the government planning to raise domestic tuition fees from £9,250 to £9,535 starting September 2025. Universities under pressure Despite the rise in fees and borrowing, universities are facing growing financial uncertainty. A recent report by the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education found that 25% of university leaders believe their institutions will need major restructuring to remain viable. Over half said financial stability was now their top concern, while 28% named international student enrolment as a priority. A separate study by the Tony Blair Institute noted that real-terms income from domestic tuition has dropped by nearly a third since 2012 due to inflation. The report warned that possible changes to student visa rules—such as a 6% levy on international fees, tighter compliance measures and reduced post-study work options—could disproportionately affect post-1992 universities that rely more heavily on international enrolments. 'Universities with lower international rankings and former polytechnics had weaker finances and were most reliant on international students,' said Alexander Iosad from the institute. 61% of students borrow to pay rent Rising rent costs are placing further strain on students, particularly international ones. According to a global student accommodation platform, rent now consumes a larger share of student budgets than ever before. 'Spending on student housing in the UK has jumped 15 per cent, driven by rising rents, an influx of international students and a growing preference for higher-end purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA),' Mamta Shekhawat, founder of told Business Standard. 'The 15 per cent increase in the proportion of student budgets dedicated to accommodation is a clear indicator of a worsening affordability crisis,' she added. 'Without immediate and effective interventions, the rising cost of accommodation will continue to risk student wellbeing, academic success, and the fundamental principle of equitable access to higher education in the UK.' Of all students approaching for UK housing, 52% were Indian. PBSA prices rising faster than maintenance loans The average cost of PBSA now stands at £13,595 per year for 2024–25, up from £11,500 in 2022–23—an 18% increase in just two years. In London, average monthly rent is £1,211, far above Northern Ireland's £904. Nationally, rent rose 8% in early 2025. In cities like London, Manchester and Edinburgh, annual increases have ranged from 8% to 12%. Though PBSA comes with amenities like en-suite bathrooms and common spaces, its cost often outpaces available loans. In London, the maximum maintenance loan is £13,348, falling short of average rent for PBSA. To bridge the gap: 61% of students have borrowed money 36% from family or friends 25% via loans, credit cards or overdrafts Many have increased their work hours during term, which has raised concerns around academic performance and mental health said its services include verified listings, budgeting tools and tenant rights information to help students navigate the UK housing market. International student numbers rising despite cost pressure In the 2023–24 academic year, more than 600,000 international students were enrolled in UK universities. That number is expected to rise, putting further pressure on housing. But supply has not kept up. The UK has around 678,000 PBSA beds, while demand is estimated at 1.4 million. A fall in landlord participation due to mortgage costs has also reduced the number of shared rental houses. Why Indian students still choose the UK Despite rising costs, Indian students continue to choose the UK for its prestigious institutions. Imperial College London ranks 2nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025, followed by the University of Oxford at 3rd and the University of Cambridge at 5th. University College London comes in at 9th. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, Indian student enrolment rose by 39% in 2022–23 to reach 173,190—surpassing Chinese student numbers for the first time since 2018. Between April and June 2023, more than 16,185 student visas were issued to Indian nationals. The UK is targeting 600,000 international students by 2030, according to ICEF Monitor. The Office for National Statistics reported that inflation in the UK was 3.5% in the 12 months to April, driven by rising household energy and water bills. The Bank of England expects inflation to tick up again later this year. Interest rates have been cut four times since August 2024, now standing at 4.25%.
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Business Standard
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Get F-1 visa in 40 seconds? What Indian students did right at interview
In the midst of rising scrutiny around US student visas and reports of F-1 interview rejections, one Indian student from Delhi claims his visa was approved in just 40 seconds. Sharing his experience on Reddit, the undergraduate applicant said he was scheduled for an appointment at 9:30 am at Counter 13 of the US Embassy in Delhi. The visa officer asked a few pointed questions about the student's academic background, course selection and financial preparedness. The student is set to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science and linguistics at a US university, and said he chose this particular college over more well-known institutions such as the University of Michigan, UC Irvine and UC Davis because of its research opportunities in AI, ML and natural language processing. 'The combination of CS and linguistics is rare, and this university aligns with my research interests while offering a lower cost per credit,' he explained. On the funding front, he said he would be covering costs with an education loan and additional support from family assets. The visa officer then asked about his parents' occupation before smiling and saying: 'Congratulations, your visa has been approved.' The student ended his post with some advice: stay confident, avoid talking about jobs, be financially prepared and answer only what is asked. Another Indian student posted a similar experience last week, also from the US Embassy in Delhi. According to his post, three applicants ahead of him were rejected, which made him nervous — but his visa was granted. He described the situation in detail: • The first candidate was pursuing computer science but said 'no' when asked if he knew any programming languages. • The second person went into great detail about finances, saying, 'My father has ₹1 crore in savings, ₹5 crore in FDs, and I also have a ₹1.4 lakh education loan.' The post suggested it may have been unnecessary. • The third, a female applicant, was asked why she chose her university. She spoke only about the city's weather and beauty, not the university or the course. 'The visa officer at my counter looked like an Indian-American. He was calm, polite and switched between English and Hindi while speaking to elderly applicants before me. That helped calm my nerves,' the student wrote. His interview was straightforward: • The officer asked for his passport and I-20. • Then he asked about his educational background — a BSc and MSc in mathematics. • Asked about his PhD plans, the student admitted to fumbling slightly but gave a sincere answer on his research focus. • For funding, he simply said the university was offering full funding. That was enough. The officer said, 'Your visa has been approved. Enjoy your stay in the United States.' He handed back the I-20 and kept the passport for stamping. Advice from consultants: What students should keep in mind Mamta Shekhawat, founder of told Business Standard, 'For students, thorough preparation is the key to success: review the admission essays and be ready for discussions as to why a particular university and course are your top choice, how it fits your career goals, and your plans after graduation. 'Second, organise all the documents: papers such as academic records, financial proofs, passports, and admission letters are vital. 'Third, confidence and honesty: answer questions with integrity and honesty. Avoid giving the impression that you intend to immigrate or work in the US upon graduation. 'Finally, make a positive first impression: dress appropriately, arrive on time, greet politely, and remain confident throughout the interview.' Shekhawat added that practice goes a long way in easing nerves. 'Practice answering common questions, exhibit your genuine academic intentions, and show how studying in the US will benefit your future in India.' Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, advised students to tick three key boxes before appearing for their interview. 'To qualify for an F-1 visa, Indian students must: (1) have a valid I-20 from a SEVP-approved institution; (2) ensure financial documents are clear and genuine; and (3) rehearse with mock interviews to answer confidently,' said Anand. He also recommended students maintain a 'positive digital footprint', noting that social media accounts are sometimes reviewed by consular officers. 'Attend mock interviews, keep documents updated, and stay organised. Preparation and clarity during the interview greatly improve your chances of approval,' he added.
NDTV
05-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Indian Students Are Deleting Social Media Posts, Accounts For US Visas: Report
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Indian students are worried about the Trump administration's new visa vetting process, which includes social media checks. Many are deleting posts or accounts to avoid misinterpretations of their views, fearing visa rejection over innocuous content. Indian students are increasingly growing anxious over the Trump administration's plans to mandate social media vetting before approving visas for all international students seeking to study in the United States. Social-media vetting is a process included by the Trump administration in the visa application course to assess their suitability to enter the United States. The platforms that go through this vetting are - Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok, among others. This change comes amid pro-Palestine protests and anti-Semitic demonstrations on US college campuses last year after Israel launched a bombing campaign on Gaza after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Students are not just deleting posts, fearing that their political jokes, views and activism might be misinterpreted during visa interviews, but also entire accounts. Applicants fear that even a casual comment or harmless posts could be taken into consideration to reject their visa applications. Visa counsellors warn that liking or sharing content deemed inadmissible by US authorities could also lead to visa rejections. They also inform that such sudden deletion could also raise eyebrows. Mamta Shekhawat, founder of told India Today, "Immigration authorities require student visa applicants to provide their social media handles for the previous five years, allowing them to make character evaluations and determine whether and how the applicant's professional and academic background matches the visa objectives.' Speaking about humorous posts, she said that, "Such a casual approach would not be deemed appropriate across borders. Even the smallest hint of political or violent activism, or controversial remarks, can be counted as suspicious when piled together during the scrutiny of the visa application." She also advised students to keep a check on their digital footprint. "However, experts warn that suddenly deleting content might raise red flags. Hence, the advice is to strive for a balance between authenticity and aspirational online behaviour," she further added. The US government is using artificial intelligence to identify and cancel visas of foreign students who 'appear to support' terror groups. "Don't like, comment on, or share posts that could be misinterpreted. Refrain from joining, posting about, or engaging with political movements online. Even sharing someone else's opinion can be viewed as an endorsement," Meenal Damani, an education consultant said. Suraj (name changed on request) said that he was very vocal about politics on Linkedin, so he decided to delete his account after his visa counsellor warned that it could put him in trouble. 'One of the first things I did when I applied for my student visa was to delete my LinkedIn profile," he added. He has recently been selected for a master's programme at an Ivy League university. "As soon as I applied, I stopped attending protests. Even a single picture online could lead to my visa being rejected," he told the Indian Express. Another PhD student at Jawaharlal Nehru University, wiped his social media account after a US university paused his post-doctoral appointment. The deleted posts include pro-Palestine content, Gaza casualty figures, and an article on rising right-wing authoritarianism, according to The Print. "You don't know what will offend them," he said. He had also uninstalled several apps from his phone.
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Business Standard
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
61% of students in UK borrow to pay rent as accommodation costs surge 15%
Spending on student housing in the UK has jumped 15 per cent, driven by rising rents, an influx of international students and a growing preference for higher-end purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), according to a new report by a global student accommodation platform. 'The 15 per cent increase in the proportion of student budgets dedicated to accommodation is a clear indicator of a worsening affordability crisis,' said Mamta Shekhawat, founder of 'Without immediate and effective interventions, the rising cost of accommodation will continue to risk student wellbeing, academic success, and the fundamental principle of equitable access to higher education in the UK.' Notably, of the total number of students approaching for UK accommodation, 52 per cent are Indians. Rent exceeds maintenance loans PBSA costs have now risen to an average of £13,595 per year for the 2024/25 academic session—up from £11,500 in 2022/23, marking an 18 per cent increase in just two years. In London, the most expensive city for students, monthly rents average £1,211, far outpacing costs in places like Northern Ireland, where average monthly rents are £904. The rise in rental prices shows no signs of slowing. Nationally, rent grew by 8 per cent in early 2025, and in cities like London, Manchester and Edinburgh, annual increases have ranged between 8 per cent and 12 per cent. International demand and shrinking supply More than 600,000 international students were enrolled in UK universities in 2023–24, and this figure is expected to grow, adding pressure to an already strained housing market. Despite the demand, supply remains flat. The UK currently has around 678,000 PBSA beds, while demand is estimated at 1.4 million. Many landlords have also exited the rental market due to higher mortgage payments, further reducing the availability of shared houses—particularly houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), which are popular among international students. PBSA on the rise With features such as en-suite bathrooms and on-site amenities, PBSA has become a preferred option despite the price. But these costs often exceed what students can afford through government loans. In London, for example, average annual PBSA rent is £13,595, compared to the maximum maintenance loan of £13,348. This gap is pushing many students into financial strain. According to 59 per cent of students struggle to pay rent. To manage the shortfall: 61 per cent have borrowed money: 36 per cent from family or friends 25 per cent through bank loans, credit cards or overdrafts Many have taken on more part-time work, affecting academic focus and mental health The platform said its services offer verified listings, budgeting tools and resources on tenant rights to help students navigate the housing market. Rising inflation in the UK According to the latest data tracked by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), prices in the UK rose by 3.5% in the 12 months to April, with the inflation rate fuelled by higher household energy and water bills. Inflation remains above the Bank of England's target, which is 2%. The Bank expects inflation to rise again this year after several months of gradual falls. It has cut interest rates four times since last August to the current 4.25%. Why rising costs in the UK matter to Indians The UK is home to some of the world's leading universities. Imperial College London ranks 2nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, followed by the University of Oxford at 3rd and the University of Cambridge at 5th. Other top institutions such as University College London, ranked 9th, further add to the UK's appeal. Indian students have become a key part of the UK's international student population. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), Indian student enrolment in the UK rose by 39% in the 2022–23 academic year to reach 173,190 students—surpassing China for the first time since 2018. Between April and June 2023 alone, over 16,185 student visas were issued to Indian nationals. The UK has set a target of hosting 600,000 international students by 2030, according to ICEF Monitor.
