USA issued over 1.4 lakh Student Visas to Indian Students in Fiscal Year 2023

• In 2023, India was the largest student population in the US, with a total of 199,861 study permits issued (including F, M and J student visas).

• Indian students in the United States were issued a total of 1,30,839 F-1 student visas in 2023, the State Department announced.

• A technology platform for international student mobility, while analysing study permit trends in the United States (US) has indicated that this is the second year in a row, Indians received more US student visas than students from any other country. 

• More than 2 lakh Indian students consider pursuing higher education in the US every year. According to the US Embassy, Indian immigrants encompass 20 per cent of the foreign student group who aim to gain the know-how of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

• Especially students who desire to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses prefer the US as their go-to destination for its quality education, frontline universities, and diverse culture.

What is an F1 visa?

• An F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to international students who wish to pursue academic studies or language training programs at an accredited institution in the U.S. This visa category is specifically designed for individuals who seek to enter the U.S. for full-time academic study at an academic institution such as a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or language training program.
• To obtain an F1 visa, applicants typically need to be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school, demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover their tuition and living expenses, and prove that they have a residence abroad that they intend to return to after completing their studies in the U.S. F1 visa holders are allowed to stay in the U.S. as long as they maintain full-time enrollment in their academic program and comply with the regulations of their visa status.

How does an F-1 visa attract Indian students to the US?

• Quality of Education:
• The United States is home to many prestigious universities and colleges known for their high-quality education and cutting-edge research facilities. Indian students often aspire to study at these institutions to gain access to world-class education and enhance their academic credentials.

• Wide Range of Programs:
• American universities offer a diverse range of academic programs spanning various fields and disciplines. This diversity allows Indian students to pursue their interests and choose programs that align with their career goals, whether in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), business, humanities, or other fields.

• Global Recognition:
• Degrees from American universities are widely recognized and respected worldwide. Obtaining a degree from a U.S. institution can significantly enhance an Indian student’s career prospects and open doors to opportunities both in India and internationally.

• Research Opportunities:
• Many U.S. universities are renowned for their research-intensive environment and offer numerous opportunities for students to engage in research projects, internships, and collaborations with leading scholars and industry professionals. Indian students often seek these opportunities to gain hands-on experience and contribute to cutting-edge research in their respective fields.

• Cultural Exchange and Diversity:
• Studying in the United States exposes Indian students to a multicultural environment where they can interact with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This exposure fosters cross-cultural understanding, broadens perspectives, and enriches the overall educational experience.

• Post-Graduation Work Opportunities:
• After completing their studies, F-1 visa holders are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in their field of study in the U.S. for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM graduates). This post-graduation work opportunity is appealing to Indian students who wish to gain valuable work experience and potentially explore job opportunities in the United States.