This trend reflects a broader shift in preferences among Indian students, who are increasingly looking toward the US for quality education and better post-graduation opportunities
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Indian students choosing to study in the United States. The US now ranks as the second most popular destination for Indian students, following Canada, as reported by indianexpress.com.
This trend is supported by data from the US embassy, which reveals that in 2023, the US Mission to India issued over 140,000 student visas to Indian students—more than the combined totals of 2018, 2019, and 2020. The number is anticipated to rise even further this year.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, during the recent monsoon session of the Rajya Sabha, presented government data highlighting this surge. Out of the 1,335,878 Indian students studying abroad in 2023, 427,000 are in Canada, while 337,630 are in the US, representing over 25% of all Indian students studying overseas. This shift underscores the growing appeal of the US as a leading destination for higher education.
Several factors contribute to the increasing preference for the US among Indian students. Education consultants point to the US’s welcoming stance toward international students and the frequent changes in visa policies by other countries, which have made the US a more stable choice. Additionally, the US offers a vast range of educational opportunities, with over 4,000 institutions primarily providing four-year degree programs. While many of these institutions do not require IELTS scores, students must still demonstrate English proficiency. The US government has also been proactive in organizing various events in India to attract potential students.
The rising success rate of US student visas, coupled with the changing immigration policies in other countries, particularly Canada, has led to an increasing number of Indian students, especially from Punjab, favoring the US as their study destination
The report cited Gurpreet Singh, a study abroad consultant from Kapurthala. He notes a significant increase in the number of students from Punjab opting for the US over other destinations. “The US has always been perceived as a land of opportunities,” he says. “There is a tremendous craze among students in Punjab to study in the US, particularly with the US actively encouraging international students in recent years.” Singh also highlights that the rising costs of living and stricter visa regulations in Canada have made the US a more attractive option. The success rate of US student visas for Indian applicants has surged from a mere 15-20% in previous years.
Students also find the US appealing for its more affordable accommodation options, fewer housing issues, and milder weather compared to Canada. According to a student who recently secured a visa to study at a university in New York, the process to study in the US begins with selecting a college and obtaining a Form I-20, a “Certificate of Eligibility” for an F-1 visa. Once the visa interview is successfully cleared, students can travel to the US without having to pay tuition fees upfront, which can be paid after joining the college.
While Canada offers Permanent Residency (PR) options after completing studies and gaining a minimum of three years of work experience, the US does not have a similar provision. However, the US provides a one-year stay-back period post-graduation for job searching. If students secure employment during this period, they can apply for an H-1B visa, allowing them to stay in the US for a more extended period. Consultant Sunil Kumar notes, “Students are resourceful; they find ways to remain in the US even after their studies.”
“The rules in Canada have become more stringent, and students are increasingly concerned about their future there,” adds Gurpreet. “When they compare the benefits of studying and potentially working in the US, many find it a more appealing choice.”
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