Decline could cost $7 billion and threaten over 60,000 jobs, warns report
The United States may witness a drop of up to 1,50,000 international students enrolling in universities this September intake — a shortfall that could cost the US higher education sector nearly $7 billion and jeopardise over 60,000 jobs, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
Report warns visa bans and delays could hit US local economies hard
A study by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International found that visa bans, interview suspensions, and processing disruptions could significantly impact local economies nationwide.
Analysis of SEVIS and State Department data projects a 30–40% drop in new international student enrolment, contributing to a 15% overall decline this fall. This would result in $7 billion in lost spending and more than 60,000 jobs.
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NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw called the findings “a clarion call” for the State Department to ensure students can arrive on US campuses, warning that the immediate losses are “just the tip of the iceberg.”
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Aw stressed that international students fuel innovation, strengthen global competitiveness, and create long-term research and academic opportunities in the US
The decline is being driven by several factors:
- Visa interview suspension: Between May 27 and June 18, 2025, student visa interviews were halted during peak season. The resumption on June 18 came with new social media vetting protocols and little guidance, adding strain to an already backlogged system.
- Limited appointment availability: Students from India, China, Nigeria, and Japan — key sending countries — are facing scarce or no visa appointment slots.
- Downward visa trends: F-1 visa issuance dropped 12% from January–April 2025 and 22% in May compared to 2024.
- Visa bans: As of June 4, 2025, restrictions affect 19 countries, with 36 more possibly being added, threatening $3 billion in annual contributions and 25,000 jobs.
Without a sharp recovery in visa processing over July and August, up to 1,50,000 fewer students may arrive in the US this fall.
