US International Student Monitor: Visa Data, Policy Shifts and Enrolment Trends
Track visa data, enrolment trends and policy shifts across the US international student recruitment landscape.
Under Construction
This page is under active development. We're currently sourcing and verifying US enrollment, visa issuance, and compliance data from IIE Open Doors, the US State Department, and ICE/SEVP. Full country intelligence — enrolment trends, source market data, and key dates — is coming soon.
Fall 2026 Outlook: US International Enrolment Projected to Fall by up to 9.5%
NAFSA and JB International project overall US international enrolment could fall by up to 9.5% in fall 2026, roughly 111,000 fewer students, with a mid-range scenario of around 5.5%. Nearly two-thirds of institutions responding to IIE's Spring 2026 Snapshot expect declines, and international doctoral applications fell 21%. Source: NAFSA and JB International, August 2026, based on IIE Spring 2026 Snapshot.
Policy Pressure Builds: Travel Ban, Work Rules and Visa Capacity
An expanded travel ban covering nationals of 39 countries has applied since 1 January 2026. The State Department prioritised World Cup ticket holders for visa appointments during the usual student peak, SEVP narrowed F-1 Curricular Practical Training eligibility in a 12 August broadcast, and DHS is moving to replace duration of status with fixed admission periods. Reports also suggest a possible new fee on Optional Practical Training, which is not confirmed. Sources: ICEF Monitor, NAFSA, DHS.
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Briefings and News
US Set to Lose Up to 111,000 International Students in Fall 2026
August 2026
NAFSA and JB International project a decline of up to 9.5% in overall enrolment, with graduate enrolment the main driver.
Source: NAFSA
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BriefingUS Student Visas for Indians Drop 69% in June and July 2025
March 2026
State Department figures show 12,776 F-1 visas issued to Indian students in June and July 2025, against 41,336 in the same period of 2024, after a pause in interviews and tighter screening.
Source: Business Today
Read more
More briefings coming soon
Key Dates for US International Recruitment
Upcoming data releases, policy milestones and sector events.
ISM will update this panel when new dates are confirmed.