The number of Indian students applying for undergraduate admission to colleges in the United States has declined by 15% during the 2025–26 admission cycle, according to a new report released by the Common App, a non-profit organization representing more than 1,100 educational institutions. The report states that while overall undergraduate applications for the 2026–27 academic year increased, international applications submitted by March 1 fell by 10%—the steepest decline ever recorded. India, which remains the largest source of international students in the U.S., experienced one of the most significant drops in applicant numbers.

The decline comes amid tightening U.S. immigration and student visa policies that have raised concerns among prospective international students. Earlier reports projected that stricter visa regulations and policy uncertainty could result in nearly 1.1 lakh fewer international student enrollments in the Fall 2026 semester. The U.S. government has also introduced new rules limiting student visa stays to four years, replacing the earlier “duration of status” system. In addition, authorities are considering a proposed $100,000 fee for international students seeking to participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program after graduation.

Despite the decline in applications, Indian students continue to play a major role in the U.S. higher education system, with more than 3.63 lakh enrolled during the 2024–25 academic year. International students contributed an estimated $41.77 billion to the U.S. economy in 2025–26, although that figure is expected to fall to $38.37 billion in the coming academic year. Education experts believe that increasing financial costs, tighter visa rules, and uncertainty surrounding post-study work opportunities such as OPT and H-1B visas are influencing the decisions of many students who are now exploring alternative study destinations.