International student visa issuances in the United States dropped by 23% in 2025, driven by intensified immigration scrutiny and temporary interview suspensions. Academic F-1 visas saw the most substantial decline at 33.4%, while J-1 and M-1 categories also experienced notable reductions. The downturn was particularly sharp for applicants from India and China, alongside significant collapses in approvals for students from Iran, Myanmar, and Venezuela. Analysts attribute this trend to administrative bottlenecks, expanded social media screening, and a general perception of instability, which has led prospective students to consider alternative nations. With application numbers falling by approximately 16,000 for the 2025-26 cycle, universities now face potential financial and operational risks. Experts suggest that unpredictable immigration policies are undermining the global competitiveness of American higher education, as students increasingly prioritize destinations offering more reliable post-study opportunities.
Source : VnExpress International
Photo : VnExpress International
