Priyanka
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Securing a US student visa (F-1 category) has become more challenging than ever. In the fiscal year 2023–24 (October 2023 to September 2024), the United States rejected 41% of all F-1 visa applications — the highest rejection rate in the past 10 years.
F-1 Visa Rejection Trends: Key Data
According to US State Department data analyzed by The Indian Express:
Total F-1 visa applications (2023–24): 6.79 lakh
Visas rejected: 2.79 lakh (41%)
Total F-1 visas issued: 4.01 lakh
In 2022–23:
Applications: 6.99 lakh
Rejections: 2.53 lakh (36%)
Visas issued: 4.45 lakh
Notably, the country-wise rejection data was not disclosed.
What is an F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to international students enrolling in academic programs at US universities and colleges. In contrast, the M-1 visa is for vocational or non-academic programs. F-1 visas account for over 90% of all US student visas annually.
Decline in Visa Approvals and Application Volume
While applications surged post-pandemic, the 2023–24 numbers reflect a downward trend in both:
The number of visa applications
The approval rate, despite reduced application volumes
For instance, 8.56 lakh applications were received in 2014–15 — the highest in a decade — but application numbers have since dropped.
Indian Students: Largest Group in the US
Despite rising rejections, Indian students form the largest international student community in the US:
2021: 65,235 Indian F-1 visas issued
2022: 93,181 Indian F-1 visas issued
2023–24: 3.31 lakh Indian students in the US
Indian students now make up 29.4% of international students, surpassing China, per Open Doors 2024 report
Top Reasons for F-1 Visa Rejections
Weak Financial Background
Inability to demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Errors, missing information, or fraudulent documents
Doubt About Intention to Return
Perceived desire to settle permanently in the US after studies
Poor Interview Performance
Nervousness or unclear responses during the visa interview
