The US student visa program experienced a remarkable surge in volume during the 2022 fiscal year, showcasing the largest annual increase in over a decade, excluding pandemic-affected years. The US Department of State issued a staggering total of more than 411,000 student visas, marking an impressive 15% rise from the previous fiscal year (2021). This figure also represents the highest number of F-1 visas issued in a single year in the past six years, indicating potential signs of recovery in the US international education sector.
Indian Students Among the Top Beneficiaries
Within this growth in student visa issuance, Indian students emerged as the biggest winners. They constituted a significant portion of the student visas issued during the 2022 fiscal year, highlighting the strong interest of Indian students in pursuing higher education in the United States.
Comparison with Other Countries
While the US witnessed substantial growth in student visas, it slightly trailed behind Canada and the UK in terms of year-over-year increase. Canada issued over 420,000 student visas in 2022, demonstrating a remarkable 27% increase from the previous year. Similarly, the UK experienced an impressive annual growth rate of 34% in student visas issued during the year ending March 2023.
Optimism Amid Approval Rate Decline
Despite the overall growth in student visa volume, there was a concerning decline in approval rates. In 2021, the approval rate for F-1 visas reached a 10-year high, surpassing 80%. However, in 2022, this trend reversed, with only 65% of F-1 visas being approved.
Despite this decline, experts remain optimistic about the US international education sector’s recovery. The combination of the highest total of F-1 visas issued in six years, the largest annual increase in a decade (excluding pandemic years), and the emergence of high-potential source markets sets a positive foundation for the sector’s outlook. ApplyBoard’s latest report suggests that the US international education sector is on track towards a full recovery.
While the drop in approval rates is a cause for concern, the overall surge in student visa issuance signals growing interest and potential opportunities for international students in the US. Efforts to address the approval rate issue and enhance the attractiveness of the US as a study destination may further contribute to the sector’s recovery. As the US international education sector continues to evolve, it holds promise for students worldwide seeking to pursue their academic aspirations in the United States.