F-1 Student Visa Crisis: Parliament Seeks Answers on Challenges Faced by Indian Students in the US

The ongoing F-1 student visa crisis in the United States has raised serious concerns among students, parents, and policymakers in India. During the Monsoon Session of Parliament 2025, members have questioned the Indian government on the steps it is taking to protect Indian students in the U.S., who have been facing unexpected and difficult visa-related issues.

Rising Indian Student Numbers in the US
India continues to be one of the top countries sending students to the United States for higher education. As of June 2025, over 372,000 Indian nationals were enrolled in various educational programs across the U.S., including primary and secondary schools, vocational training, and higher education such as bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs.

Each year, nearly one lakh (100,000) Indian students receive F-1 visas to pursue their studies in the U.S. The number of F-1 student visas issued in the past five years are as follows:

• 2019–20: 20,628
• 2020–21: 85,385
• 2021–22: 126,431
• 2022–23: 143,811
• 2023–24: 99,169

Despite this strong presence, many students have found themselves in legal and emotional distress due to recent U.S. visa policies.

Sudden SEVIS Terminations and Visa Revocations
In April 2025, several Indian students in the U.S. were shocked to receive notices stating that their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records had been terminated. In some cases, this was followed by emails informing students that their F-1 visas had been revoked, putting them at risk of deportation.

The Indian Embassy and Consulates in the U.S. were flooded with complaints and appeals from affected students. Some were even advised to “self-deport” using the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App. This option, students were told, could help them reapply for visas later without long-term penalties.

A number of students took legal action, filing lawsuits against the U.S. government. They claimed that their visa cancellations were unfair and violated due process. They also argued that the sudden termination of SEVIS records was unlawful.

Temporary Relief and Policy Reversal
In early May 2025, the U.S. government reversed its decision and reinstated thousands of student visas and SEVIS records. This brought temporary relief to many students who had faced the risk of being removed from the country.

However, the future still remains uncertain. The U.S. administration has indicated that it may roll out stricter visa rules, including revocation for activities such as political protests or actions considered “hostile” to the government.

New Visa Screening Rules and Social Media Monitoring
On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced expanded screening and vetting procedures for all student visa applicants. Under the new rules:

• All applicants for F, M, and J visas must undergo comprehensive background checks.
• This includes review of an applicant’s online presence and social media accounts.
• Applicants are required to set their social media profiles to public to allow U.S. authorities full access during visa vetting.

The U.S. clarified that visa approval is a national security decision, and that students must clearly show they intend to follow all visa rules and only take part in approved academic activities.

What Could Get a Student Visa Revoked
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued an advisory stating that receiving a student visa does not guarantee continued stay in the U.S. Students must follow all rules. Reasons for visa cancellation or SEVIS termination include:

• Skipping classes or dropping out without informing the university
• Minor legal offenses (e.g., traffic violations, DUI)
• Participating in political protests or activism
• Staying in the U.S. beyond the visa’s validity

Any of these actions may result in loss of visa status, deportation, and denial of future visas.

India’s Response in Parliament
In response to these concerns, the Government of India stated that it is actively engaging with U.S. authorities at different levels to address the problems faced by Indian students. The Ministry of External Affairs has been in regular contact with officials from the U.S. to:

• Promote secure and fair mobility frameworks for students and professionals
• Improve legal travel options
• Fight illegal immigration and trafficking by taking strong action against criminal facilitators
• Make the visa process more transparent for Indian students

The government also informed Parliament that the U.S. Embassy in India is working to open additional student visa appointments until the end of August 2025, to help students get their visas before the start of the new academic year.

Helpful Steps for Students
The U.S. Embassy is also preparing a Student Visa FAQ fact sheet, which will answer common questions and help reduce the uncertainty students are facing. This should provide much-needed clarity as students and families plan for study abroad.

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