US Lawmakers Push for Faster Visa Processing for Indian Students

A group of US lawmakers has urged action to address student visa delays affecting Indian students who plan to begin or continue their studies in the United States this fall.

With many US universities set to begin their Fall 2025 semester next month, there is growing concern that delayed visa appointments may prevent thousands of Indian students from arriving on time.

Lawmakers Send Letter to Secretary of State
Congresswoman Deborah Ross, along with a bipartisan group of 14 other lawmakers, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In the letter, they expressed concern about the growing number of Indian students who are struggling to get visa appointments in time to begin their academic programs.

The letter said:

“As members of Congress who represent research universities, we are concerned by reports from our constituent universities about Indian students who have been unable to obtain visas to continue their education in the United States.”

Indian Students: A Key Part of US Education and Economy
The lawmakers highlighted that Indian students are the largest group of international students in the US and contribute $9 billion annually to the US economy.

They also noted how Indian students play an important role in research, innovation, and science, which helps keep the US competitive globally.

“We are dismayed at the possibility that many of these bright young individuals may be blocked… from continuing their education and research in the United States,” the letter added.

The lawmakers also connected this issue to US-India relations, saying that educational exchange helps to strengthen ties and cooperation between the two countries.

Action Requested by August 8
The lawmakers asked the State Department to provide an update by August 8 on what steps are being taken to fix the visa delays.

They want clear answers on:

How the student visa backlog is being addressed
Plans to fully restore visa processing operations
Steps to ensure equal access to visa appointments across India

Steps Taken by the US Embassy
In response to the rising demand, the US Embassy in India has released thousands of visa appointment slots since May. This includes appointments at US consulates in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

The US Embassy in New Delhi, one of the world’s largest diplomatic missions, is also working to support Indian students with their visa needs.

However, despite these efforts, many students are still facing long wait times or limited appointment availability—especially during the peak summer months when most students apply for the fall intake.

Why It Matters
Indian students are a crucial part of the US higher education system. Delays in visa processing can: