Updated on May 26th, 2023

In June this year, the US embassy announced the opening of bulk student appointment slots from June 14. So it was obviously hoped a noticeable rise in US study visa applications for this dream destination in the coming future. This was big news for all students planning to join US higher education and degrees in US colleges and universities. Don Heflin, who is in charge of visa operations at the embassy and the four consulates in India, said that time, ‘We will open tens of thousands of visa appointment slots on Monday, June 14, during the morning business hours.’

Department announces to open appointments in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Students can book appointments at their nearest center and avoid travel. He further clarified that the embassy would interview as many students as in 2019, the last normal year.

The US always remained a most sought-after destination for higher studies. A wide range of scholarship options, the cost of education, and entirely an international space are among the important reasons. This makes the USA a diverse society to live in. Over 150 Universities in the USA are among the world’s top universities according to QS rankings 2020. That alone speaks for itself for US education.

Changing trends

After the election of Biden as President, students see the US as a more favorable destination for their studies. A survey report released by Keystone Academic Solutions, based upon 5851 website visitors, shows that 83% of students from different nations are likely to study in the US since the election of Biden. As per these reports, 48% were interested in master’s programs, 21% in bachelor’s, 13% in doctoral, and 12% in certificate or diploma programs. Similarly, an IDP survey of 800 prospective students earlier this year suggested that 76% of prospective students said the election of Biden improved their perception of the US as a study destination.

Difficulty in getting appointments

There is a deluge to get an F-1 visa, whereas the slot is minimal. The US government has kept most non-immigrant international travel from India suspended since April 30. And now, because of the rush, students are finding it difficult to get appointment slots for their visas. Institutes across the US are ready to allow international students entry into physical campus programs from the Fall session onwards.

Department spokesperson encouraged students to apply early for visas, adding that the department prioritizes interview appointments for students and expedites appointments on a case-by-case basis.

Bhawana Salaria, an education consultant based in Jalandhar, & Director of CAAN World Consultants, said that students prefer to apply for US study visas because it has so many reasons behind it, including best and ranking Universities & better career opportunities. When other countries like Australia, New Zealand are still planning to open borders for International Students. The USA has opened visas for Indian students, and this step will certainly be beneficial to Indian students.

Update in September 2021

Media reports say over 55000 Indian students and exchange visitors to the United States have been given students visa in 2021. This is the highest number ever, a US Mission statement said. In June 2021, as soon as conditions allowed, additional slots of appointments were opened. Ultimately, these efforts paid off. A good number of students received visas to study in the United States, the statement further read.

This announcement of over 55,000 students and exchange visitor’s visas came when on the other side, countries like Australia and New Zealand have not opened borders for international students. So many European countries have not been clear about vaccination requirements for Indian students.

On a very positive note, Ambassador Atul Keshap said, ‘Indian students also enrich US society, and achieve a high level of academic success. This also deepens the bonds of friendship between our countries.’

…expecting more visas in the coming days

In light of these observations, it seems very clear that in the coming years, or at least in 2022, US education will be in the limelight, attracting more international students worldwide and in India.

Besides the quality of education, the cost of study, career opportunities, working, and welcoming immigration will be among a few important reasons behind this growing trend. As a professional working in the international education industry, I hope this will be a great opportunity for aspiring students.