Applications from Indian students to US colleges have fallen by 15% amid growing uncertainty over immigration policies and stricter visa rules, according to data from the Common App. The decline comes even as overall undergraduate application volumes for the 2026-27 academic year have increased.
The report, based on data from more than 1,100 institutions, found that international applications submitted through March 1 fell by 10%, marking the sharpest decline recorded so far. India, which remains one of the largest sources of international students in the United States, saw a 15% drop in applicants during the 2025-26 cycle compared with the previous year.
More than 3.63 lakh Indian students were enrolled in US institutions during the 2024-25 academic year. However, tightening immigration rules and uncertainty surrounding student visas and post-study work opportunities appear to be affecting interest among prospective applicants.
The potential decline in international enrolment could also have a significant economic impact. International students contributed an estimated USD 41.77 billion to local economies during the Fall 2025-26 period, according to the report. That contribution is projected to fall to around USD 38.37 billion in the 2026-27 academic year.
Separate estimates from NAFSA: Association of International Educators and research firm JB International have also pointed to a possible decline in international student registrations. Their projections suggest that US colleges and universities could see as many as 1.1 lakh fewer international student registrations in Fall 2026.
International student registrations were estimated at around 11.69 lakh in Fall 2025-26 and are projected to decline to approximately 10.57 lakh this year.
Changes to US immigration policies have emerged as a major concern for students planning to study in the country. In July, the US government announced new rules ending the traditional “duration of status” system for student and visitor visas and proposed limiting stays to four years, which generally corresponds with the length of a standard academic programme.
Uncertainty has also grown around post-study work opportunities. The US is considering a USD 100,000 fee for foreign students seeking to use the Optional Practical Training programme, commonly known as OPT.
The OPT programme allows eligible international students to work in the United States after completing their studies, typically for 12 months and for longer periods in certain eligible fields. It has also served as an important pathway for some graduates seeking employer-sponsored H-1B visas.
The H-1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations and has been widely used by technology and other companies to recruit skilled workers from countries including India.
For many Indian students, the opportunity to gain work experience after graduation has traditionally been a major factor when choosing US universities. Any restrictions or additional costs associated with OPT could therefore influence future application decisions.
The decline in applications highlights the wider impact of changing immigration policies on American higher education. With international students contributing significantly to university enrolments, research and local economies, a sustained drop in applications from India and other countries could create financial and academic challenges for US colleges.
As visa rules continue to evolve, universities and prospective students will be closely watching whether policy uncertainty leads to a longer-term shift in international students choosing destinations outside the United States.
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