Acumen Global Enrollment Watch: Visa Denials in India, Fall 2024

As thought leaders in international education, Acumen is committed to supporting its partner universities in navigating global enrollment challenges. In late 2024, we facilitated discussions between our partner U.S. universities, prospective F-1 students, and the U.S. Embassy in India to better understand the sharp increase in visa denials for Indian students.

During these discussions, Acumen was able to:

• Confirm key concerns held by visa officers
• Advocate for the interests of U.S. higher education institutions
• Identify factors contributing to visa denials and their implications for Fall 2025

A Dramatic Shift in F-1 Visa Approvals

After years of steady post-COVID growth, F-1 visa approvals for Indian students saw a sharp and unexpected decline in 2024:

📉 May – August 2023 → 89,000 F-1 visas issued in India
📉 May – August 2024 → 59,000 F-1 visas issued in India

Many U.S. institutions reported near-record admissions from India, making the increase in visa denials a major shock that severely impacted enrollments.

Why This Matters for Fall 2025

With India now the #1 source country for international students in the U.S. (351,000 Indian students in 2024), the State Department’s approach to Indian applicants is under scrutiny. While some speculate this shift is linked to concerns over U.S. institutions pivoting from China to India post-COVID, global visa issuance trends suggest broader policy shifts—F-1 visa issuance worldwide fell 12.5% for the 2024–25 academic year (Fischer & Bauman, 2024).

Additionally, geopolitical factors and border security concerns may be influencing visa approvals. U.S. authorities have raised alarms about human trafficking of Indian nationals via Canada, particularly from Punjab, adding sensitivity to the visa screening process.

How U.S. Universities Should Respond

Acumen strongly recommends that universities take proactive steps when planning their Fall 2025 recruitment strategy:

✅ Request a Meeting with the U.S. Embassy or Consulates

Whenever a senior delegation visits India, schedule a meeting with the U.S. Embassy in Delhi or the closest U.S. Consulate (currently four, with a fifth on the way). Reinforce your institution’s commitment to academic integrity, student success, and post-graduate pathways. Acumen can assist in facilitating these meetings.

✅ Strengthen Admissions Criteria & Student Preparation

• Review your minimum GPA and English requirements—visa officers do consider academic benchmarks.
• Be aware of students’ visa history—past visa misuse or overstays globally can impact decisions.
• Monitor SEVIS transfer trends—demonstrate your commitment to international student success.
• Ensure students articulate clear study goals—U.S. immigration law (INA 214(b)) presumes all applicants are intending immigrants. Students must clearly convey their study plans and post-graduation intentions.

✅ Engage with Policy & Advocacy Groups

Acumen has strengthened partnerships with policy-making organizations like:

• U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum
• International Trade Commission
• U.S. Commercial Services (USCS)

We are actively working to represent U.S. universities and provide insights into evolving policy shifts.

Looking Ahead to Fall 2025

With visa policy remaining unpredictable, universities need to focus on:

• Strengthening enrollment strategies
• Enhancing student preparedness
• Building strong diplomatic engagements with U.S. consular offices

At Acumen, we offer tailored support to help institutions:

• Schedule high-impact delegation meetings with U.S. Embassy and Consulates
• Improve admissions processes and yield strategies
• Provide expert insights into visa trends and policy changes

It’s a long way from April to August. We’re here to help universities mitigate risk, reinforce credibility, and ensure student success.

If your institution needs support in understanding visa trends, preparing students, or engaging with U.S. diplomatic missions, contact Acumen today.