For the benefit of Indian students wishing to go to America for studies, the U.S. Embassy has opened up thousands of student visa appointments at the Indian consulates.
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is one of the largest diplomatic missions in the world, overseeing the operations of four consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad. They posted on their official X account that thousands of student visa applications are now available under Mission India.
One-stop shop for students who are applying for a US visa is the Ustraveldocs website. From how to apply for your nonimmigrant visa for travel to the United States to the documents, photos, and information that you need to apply for your visa to how to make your visa application fee payment to the process to schedule your interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate general, you can find it all there.
In terms of wait time for a U.S. visa, the Department of State releases monthly data on the average wait time for nonimmigrant visa applicants and the estimated wait time for future visitor visa interviews. The wait time for a US visa interview at present can be determined from the Global Visa Wait Times table.
America has remained the most favorite study abroad nation for foreign students, including Indian students. Nevertheless, the latest student visa clampdown by the Trump administration appears to have stirred the student fraternity. The number of American students abroad has fallen sharply during the past year, conceivably cutting into America's image as a destination for foreign students.
Boston College professor Chris R. Glass's analysis of SEVIS data indicated an 11.33% decline in international students in the United States from March 2024 to March 2025, the Association of American Universities report said. How much of this is due to Trump is not clear.
US officials have been revoking F-1 visas held by students as well as closing their SEVIS records, which criminalizes their stay in the country. Authorities later told the US courts that the SEVIS records were being reactivated, and the standard procedure would be implemented to expel the students with cancelled visas.
For students going to the US for studies, the OPT program is the clincher, as it helps them gain work experience in American companies. But there is a likelihood of jeopardizing the continuity of the program. US legislators have proposed a bill in Congress called the 'Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025' for abolishing the Optional Practical Training Program.
So, is America still a hot destination for foreign students who wish to study abroad, or has its popularity decreased? The present scenario is unstable, and once the crackdown subsides, the US can again be the top priority for foreign students. Meanwhile, students are trying other nations as study abroad locations aside from the US.
In summary, the advance publication of student visa appointments by the US Embassy provides a welcome silver lining for Indian students in an atmosphere of uncertainty heightened by previous visa crackdowns and forthcoming OPT program tweaking.
Despite being a preferred destination for studies, the US's recent policy changes have affected international student enrollment and generated worries. The existence of these new slots offers a vital chance for prospective students, although the long-term attractiveness of the US will ultimately rest on future immigration policy and the fate of programs such as OPT.