The tightening of US immigration and visa policies under Donald Trump administration appears to be taking a toll on Indian students hoping to study in the country.The number of Indian students seeking admission to US colleges fell by 15% in 2025-26 compared with the previous year, according to a report by the Common App, a non-profit organisation representing more than 1,100 institutions.The decline comes even as overall undergraduate application numbers for the 2026-27 academic year increased. International applications, however, moved in the opposite direction. Applications from overseas students fell 10% through March 1, the sharpest decline recorded so far.India, which has emerged as the biggest source of international students in the US, saw applications drop by 15%.The trend has also raised concerns about a bigger fall in international student enrolment. A separate report by NAFSA and research firm JB International had earlier warned that stricter visa rules and policy uncertainty could lead to as many as 1.1 lakh fewer international student registrations in US colleges and universities in Fall 2026.The report estimated international student registrations at 11.69 lakh in Fall 2025-26. The number is projected to fall to around 10.57 lakh in 2026-27.The potential decline is significant for India as well as the US. More than 3.63 lakh Indian students were enrolled in American institutions during the 2024-25 academic year, making India the largest source of international students in the country.The drop could also have an economic impact. International students contributed an estimated $41.77 billion to the US economy in Fall 2025-26, according to the report. That figure is projected to decline to $38.37 billion in 2026-27.The fall comes amid a series of policy changes and proposals that have added to uncertainty among international students. In July, the US government notified new rules that would end the traditional “duration of status” system for student and visitor visas, with stays generally capped at four years.The US is also considering a $100,000 fee for foreign students seeking to use the Optional Practical Training programme, which allows international graduates to work in the country after completing their studies.
