Indian students skipping dream of studying in US? Arrivals down 50% in July

Stricter visa rules, rising costs and tougher work permits blamed for sharp decline

The dream of studying in the United States appears to be losing its appeal for many Indian students. Fresh immigration data shows a steep decline of nearly 50 per cent in arrivals from India to US universities in July and August 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Figures from the US International Trade Administration, based on ADIS/I-94 immigration records, revealed arrivals dropped from 74,825 in August 2024 to 41,540 in August 2025 — a fall of 44.5 per cent. July arrivals were down 46.4 per cent, from 24,298 in 2024 to 13,027 this year.

Experts attribute the downturn to stricter Trump-era immigration policies, including suspended visa interviews, enhanced background and social media checks, an