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News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
US Faces Sharp Decline In Indian Student Arrivals As Visa Approvals Drop By 70–80%
Last Updated: While the US authorities had earlier assured that visa slots would be released in phases, the process has lacked transparency. The United States is recording a sharp drop in the arrival of Indian students amid the visa crisis by the Trump administration. Education consultants reveal a 70 percent decline in outbound student traffic from Hyderabad. According to a report by the Times of India, citing Hyderabad Overseas Consultant Sanjeev Rai, most students who plan to study abroad have already completed their visa interviews and are getting ready to travel. However, this year is different. 'By this time usually, most students are done with their visa interviews and are preparing to fly. This year, we're still refreshing the portal every day hoping for a slot to open. It's the worst in years," he was quoted as saying by TOI. While the US authorities had earlier assured that visa slots would be released in phases, the process has lacked transparency. The students who have booked the slots already have not received confirmation. Ankit Jain from Window Overseas Education Consultancy told TOI that the only plausible explanation for slots appearing without confirmed bookings might be that the US is testing its system. 'I really could not wait. I might just lose out on a year. It looks like a dead end at this point; hence, I decided to withdraw my application," said a 23-year-old, who is now also considering Germany for pursuing a master's in automotive engineering. Another student from I20 Fever consultancy said that, 'If slots aren't released in the next few days, thousands of dreams will be shattered. We are seeing about an 80% drop. We're getting panic calls every day from students and their parents." One emerging issue is the unusually high rejection rate among students who applied as early as March and had already secured visa interview appointments. 'Many students who usually would have had smooth approvals are being turned away. Their social media was also clean. The only reason that everyone seems to be receiving is 214B," said Jain. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
6 days ago
- NDTV
US Faces 70-80% Drop In Indian Students As Visa Crisis Deepens: Report
US Universities have witnessed a steep drop in Indian student arrivals. Amid the Trump administration's ongoing crisis with international students, education consultants in Hyderabad have noted that outbound traffic has dipped by 70 per cent. The dip stems from the ongoing freeze in visa appointment slots and sudden spike in visa rejection rates. "By this time usually, most students are done with their visa interviews and are preparing to fly. This year, we're still refreshing the portal every day hoping for a slot to open. It's the worst in years," Sanjeev Rai from Hyderabad Overseas Consultant told the Times of India. US authorities had promised that visa slots would be released in phases, however there is a lot of obscurity, leaving students anxious. Moreover, students who manage to book slots have not been able to receive confirmation, Ankit Jain from Window Overseas Education Consultancy said, adding that the only logical reason for slots being open without confirming bookings could be the US testing the system. As a result, students are exploring other countries for education, "I really could not wait. I might just lose out on a year. It looks like a dead end at this point, hence I decided to withdraw my application," said a 23-year-old, who is now exploring Germany for a master's in automotive engineering. Arvind Manduva from I20 Fever consultancy said that, "If slots aren't released in the next few days, thousands of dreams will be shattered. We are seeing about an 80% drop. We're getting panic calls every day from students and their parents." Another issue arising is that students who had applied as early as March and secured interview appointments are now facing an unusually high rejection rate. "Many students who usually would have had smooth approvals are being turned away. Their social media was also clean. The only reason that everyone seems to be receiving is 214B," Jain added. Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act is a common reason for visa denials. It is given when the applicant does not demonstrate sufficient ties to their home country to prove that they would return home after the visit. Ravi Lothumalla from US Admission, an immigration consulting firm in Dallas, Texas said that this is not a new process, and the rules, vetting, and scrutiny had been in place for years, and has just been implemented now. The US Consulate General in Hyderabad has said that slots have resumed and has advised students to check the embassy or website for appointment availability. "We're working to fully vet visa applicants to ensure they do not intend to harm America or our interests, and that they credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms of their admission. We encourage applicants to apply as early as they can and to anticipate additional processing time for these visa categories," said a spokesperson from the US Consulate General Hyderabad. Last year India had overtaken China to send over 3.3 lakh students to the United States. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), as of January 1, 2024, over 11.6 lakh Indian students were studying in higher education institutions abroad and the number for Europe as a destination had steadily been rising.
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
US fall intake hit by visa chaos: Consultants warn of 70–80% drop in Indian students
iStock With the fall semester about to begin in under two weeks, American universities are bracing for a steep drop in Indian student arrivals. Education consultants in Hyderabad estimate up to a 70% decline, citing a freeze in US visa appointment slots and a spike in rejection rates as the key reasons. 'By this time usually, most students are done with their visa interviews and are preparing to fly. This year, we're still refreshing the portal every day hoping for a slot to open. It's the worst in years,' Sanjeev Rai of Hyderabad Overseas Consultant, told TOI's Amisha Rajani. While the US State Department earlier indicated that student visa appointments would be released in phases, consultants say the process remains inconsistent and lacks transparency. With many students unable to secure interview slots or receive confirmation after booking, withdrawals are rising and alternative destinations like Germany are gaining attention. 'Even when a few slots opened midweek, those who managed to book haven't received confirmation.' He suggested the US authorities might be testing their systems, adding, 'There's no logical reason to open a handful of slots without confirming bookings,' Ankit Jain from Window Overseas Education Consultancy noted. Several consultancies report a sharp increase in panic calls from students and parents alike. 'If slots aren't released in the next few days, thousands of dreams will be shattered. We are seeing about an 80% drop. We're getting panic calls every day,' said Arvind Manduva of I20 Fever. Adding to the uncertainty is a high rate of rejections under Section 214B of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. This clause is typically used when applicants are unable to demonstrate strong ties to India and prove their intent to return after studies. 'Many students who usually would have had smooth approvals are being turned away. Their social media was also clean. The only reason that everyone seems to be receiving is 214B,' said Jain. India sent over 3.3 lakh students to the US last year, surpassing China for the first time. But this year, even those who began visa processes early are being turned down. 'Many students who have been preparing for months are seeing their dream crash. However, what the US authorities are doing is not new. The rules, vetting, and scrutiny were in place for years; it is just effectively implemented now. This will filter out applicants,' said Ravi Lothumalla from US Admission, an immigration consulting firm based in Dallas. Meanwhile, the US Consulate General in Hyderabad confirmed that visa slots have resumed. 'We're working to fully vet visa applicants to ensure they do not intend to harm America or our interests, and that they credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms of their admission. We encourage applicants to apply as early as they can and to anticipate additional processing time for these visa categories,' said a spokesperson from the US Consulate General in Hyderabad. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. What's keeping real retail investors out of the Nvidia rally Instagram and YouTube make billions off creators. Should they pay up for their mental health? Markets need to see more than profits from Oyo The hybrid vs. EV rivalry: Why Maruti and Mahindra pull in different directions. What's best? Stock Radar: Why is CDSL looking an attractive buy at current levels? Check target & stop loss for long positions Get ready for volatility with the big, better & experienced. 7 large-caps from different sectors with an upside potential of up to 39% Buy, Sell or Hold: Motilal Oswal sees over 20% upside in Tech Mahindra; YES Securities maintains add call on ICICI Lombard Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Visa crisis: US universities could see 70% drop in Indian students this fall; here's why
Representative Image HYDERABAD: With less than two weeks to go for the fall semester to begin, American universities could well see a 70% drop in Indian students this year, thanks to the ongoing freeze in visa appointment slots and a sudden spike in visa rejection rates. "By this time usually, most students are done with their visa interviews and are preparing to fly. This year, we're still refreshing the portal every day hoping for a slot to open. It's the worst in years," said Sanjeev Rai from Hyderabad Overseas Consultant. Lack of clarity adds to stress You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad While US authorities earlier assured that more visa slots would be released in phases, the lack of clarity is leaving students on the edge. Ankit Jain from Window Overseas Education Consultancy said: "Even when a few slots opened midweek, those who managed to book haven't received confirmation." He added tat it was possible the US authorities were testing the system. "There's no logical reason to open a handful of slots without confirming bookings," he said. Meanwhile, application withdrawals are simultaneously continuing. Students are increasingly exploring other options. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo "I really could not wait. I might just lose out on a year. It looks like a dead end at this point, hence I decided to withdraw my application," said a 23-year-old from the city, who is now exploring Germany for a master's in automotive engineering. "If slots aren't released in the next few days, thousands of dreams will be shattered. We are seeing about an 80% drop. We're getting panic calls every day from students and their parents," said Arvind Manduva from I20 Fever consultancy. Adding to the anxiety, students who applied as early as March and secured interview appointments are now reporting an unusually high rejection rate. "Many students who usually would have had smooth approvals are being turned away. Their social media was also clean. The only reason that everyone seems to be receiving is 214B," Jain added. Rejections spike under 214B 214B typically means the applicant didn't demonstrate sufficient ties to the home country to prove he or she would return after the temporary visit. India has been one of the largest senders of international students to the US, with over 3.3 lakh students flying out last year - the highest for the first time, surpassing China. "Many students who have been preparing for months are seeing their dream crash. However, what the US authorities are doing is not new. The rules, vetting, and scrutiny were in place for years; it is just effectively implemented now. This will filter out applicants," said Ravi Lothumalla from US Admission, an immigration consulting firm in Dallas, Texas. However, the US Consulate General in Hyderabad has shared that slots have resumed and has advised to check the embassy or consulate website for appointment availability. "We're working to fully vet visa applicants to ensure they do not intend to harm America or our interests, and that they credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms of their admission. We encourage applicants to apply as early as they can and to anticipate additional processing time for these visa categories," said a spokesperson from the US Consulate General Hyderabad.
