Visa Denials Emerge as Top Concern for U.S. English Language Programs Despite Modest Growth

Despite a slight rebound in student numbers in 2024, U.S. English Language Teaching (ELT) providers say that visa denials now pose the greatest threat to the sector, according to EnglishUSA’s latest annual report.

Data from 349 English language programs (ELPs) across 48 states showed a 1.5% year-over-year increase in student enrollments, and a 7% rise in student weeks. However, the industry’s optimism is being overshadowed by persistent visa challenges—61% of ELPs identified visa denials as their number one concern.

Cheryl Delk-Le Good, Executive Director of EnglishUSA, warned that tightening visa policies could have far-reaching effects: “Any restrictive shifts in policy could further discourage prospective students.”

“At the time this data was collected in early 2025, it was too soon to measure the full impact of President Trump’s return to office,” Delk-Le Good noted, though she acknowledged the sector’s “mounting concerns” around visa regulations, perceptions of U.S. travel, and broader international relations.

Key Market Trends and Shifting Dynamics
Despite an overall 8% decline in numbers, Japan remained the top source country for ELT students in the U.S., with most Japanese students favoring short-term study options. Japan is actively pursuing a goal to send 500,000 students abroad by 2033, but faces growing competition from closer destinations like the Philippines and Malaysia.

Other leading source countries in 2024 included China, Brazil, Colombia, and South Korea. Notably, China saw 11% growth, which Delk-Le Good attributed to “pent-up demand and stronger higher education pathways.”

While traditional markets continue to play a vital role, the report underscores the need for diversification. Fast-growing markets like Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and the UAE showed double- or even triple-digit growth, signaling significant potential.

The report, developed in partnership with Bonard, also noted a shift in preference toward private language schools, as opposed to university- or college-based programs.

Adult Learners Dominate U.S. ELT Landscape
Unlike the UK, where juniors account for more than two-thirds of ELT enrollments, adult learners made up 90% of the U.S. market in 2024, with juniors comprising just 10%. California led the country in total student numbers, followed by New York and Massachusetts.

Across all states, the economic contribution of English language students exceeded $1.7 billion in 2024—a figure that underscores the sector’s importance to the U.S. education economy.

Looking ahead, EnglishUSA projects continued growth from Asia and Latin America, and plans to expand recruitment efforts into Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and parts of Africa.

However, competition is intensifying. Delk-Le Good warned that other English-speaking destinations are increasingly attractive to students thanks to streamlined visa systems and built-in work-study opportunities.

“Our continued leadership in the global ELT space will depend on more student-friendly visa policies, strong institutional support, and a clear message that the U.S. is open and welcoming to international learners,” she concluded.

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