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Significant Drop in US Visa Issuance: US F-1 student visas issued to Indian nationals sharply dropped by 30% in February 2025 compared to February 2024. This is disproportionately larger than the global average and other major countries like China.
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Increased Visa Revocations: Indian nationals accounted for 50% of international students whose US visas were revoked in early 2025. The “Catch and Revoke” program is flagged as a factor, raising concerns about fairness.
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Longer Visa Wait Times: Indian students face significantly longer visa wait times (58 days in Delhi) compared to East Asian capitals.
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Australian Scrutiny: Australia has increased visa scrutiny for applicants from specific Indian states, leading to fears of profiling.
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Impact on India’s Soft Power: The visa issues weaken India’s global presence and influence in key fields.
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Risk to Demographic Dividend: Curbs hinder educational opportunities for India’s large youth population.
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Potential Decline in Remittances: Stricter norms could reduce student migration and remittances to India.
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Legal and Financial Hardship: Students facing revocation must undergo complex legal procedures to restore their SEVIS status
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Human Capital Drain and Redirection: Shift towards hubs like Nordic countries and South Korea, impacting talent flow.
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Domestic Higher Education Pressure: Strain on Indian institutions due to increased demand as international options narrow.
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Mitigation Strategies:
- Leverage diplomatic instruments
- Overseas Education Protection Fund (OEPF)
- Enhance domestic higher education
- Digital student registry for tracking and support
- Regulate education consultancies
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Increased Visa Denials: In 2024, 41% of student visa applications were denied, compared to the 22.1% of all other types of visa applications that were denied.
