Chennai: Students seeking admission at American universities face unprecedented visa rejection due to geopolitical uncertainty and stricter immigration policies. With the unrealized American dream, they chose countries like Britain, Ireland and France.
“In the rejection letter, almost 70% to 80% of applicants were rejected. The authorities mainly mentioned that their certificates were not satisfied. But we know that stricter visa policies have led to very high rejections. The rejection rate has started in September 2024 and has risen significantly.
According to reports, 330,000 students traveled from India to the United States in 2023-24. Many students are from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, seeking higher education primarily in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
After 2015, student visa approvals gradually declined until the pandemic hit. Over the past few years, Visa approved a rebound to its previous levels.
After being rejected by the United States, students will apply to universities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany. Admission to American universities is early, with European universities starting in April season starting later, which makes it possible for students to change their destinations.
Canada has been a major destination for Indian students over the past few years, and has dropped sharply due to stricter immigration policies. Australia is not the main destination either, as financial requirements are relatively high for students.
After April to May, several American universities offered courses in September. “Admissions during September begin in June. By June to July, we will get full photos of the year,” Kumar said.
Although India usually has about one million students sent abroad every year, it may be significantly reduced this year.
