WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The United States issued far fewer F-1 student visas to Indian and Chinese nationals in 2025, according to a new report from the Center for Immigration Studies. The report says the decline could affect college campuses, the labor market, and national security.
Students from India and China make up the largest share of international students in the United States. Together, they accounted for more than half of all foreign students during the 2024-25 academic year, according to data from the Institute of International Education cited in the report.
The Center for Immigration Studies compared F-1 student visa issuances during the May through August period from 2017 to 2025. The study excluded 2020 because the COVID-19 pandemic caused an unusual drop in visa approvals that year.
The report found a steep decline in visas issued to Indian students. Between May and August 2025, the United States granted 22,149 F-1 visas to Indian nationals. That marked a 60% drop from the average of 55,717 visas issued during the same period between 2017-19 and 2021-24. It also represented a 62% decline from the 58,694 visas issued during the same months in 2024.
Chinese students also saw a significant decline. The United States issued 40,034 F-1 visas to Chinese nationals between May and August 2025. That total was 46% lower than the average of 73,853 visas issued during the comparison years. It also fell 34% below the 61,075 visas granted during the same period in 2024.
The report focused on the May through August period because most student visas are issued before the start of the academic year. In 2024, about three-fourths of all F-1 visas issued to both Indian and Chinese nationals came during those four months.
According to the Institute of International Education, the United States hosted 1,177,766 international students during the 2024-25 academic year. India had 363,019 students, while China had 265,919. Together, they represented 53% of the international student population.
The report also examined the Optional Practical Training program, known as OPT. The program allows eligible international students to work in the United States after completing their studies. As a result, many graduates gain work experience before seeking longer-term employment.
The report said 294,253 international students worked under OPT during the 2024-25 academic year. Indian nationals accounted for 143,740 participants, while Chinese nationals made up 61,981. Together, they represented nearly 70% of all OPT participants.
In addition, the report reviewed the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics OPT program. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data cited by the study, 165,524 foreign students participated in STEM OPT during 2024. Indian citizens made up 79,331 participants, while Chinese citizens accounted for 33,807. Together, they represented about 68% of all STEM OPT participants.
The Center for Immigration Studies said the decline in student visas could reduce the number of graduates entering the OPT program. Consequently, fewer international graduates may join the U.S. workforce through that pathway in the coming years.
The report also discussed national security concerns related to some international students, especially those studying in science and technology fields. It argued that some Chinese students and researchers could face pressure from their government to support state objectives. However, the study also acknowledged that many Chinese students come to the United States for legitimate educational opportunities.
The report cited comments from former U.S. officials about concerns involving technology transfer, espionage, and intellectual property theft. At the same time, it noted that reducing student numbers in sensitive fields could lower potential security risks, according to its analysis.
The study also compared the OPT program with the H-1B visa system. Unlike the H-1B program, which has an annual cap of 65,000 visas plus 20,000 additional exemptions for certain U.S. graduates, the OPT program does not have a numerical limit.
According to the report, about 505,590 foreign nationals participated in OPT and STEM OPT by 2024. The study said that the total has grown to a level comparable to the H-1B program.
The Center for Immigration Studies concluded that fewer international graduates entering the OPT program could create more opportunities for American students and workers in competitive industries. Meanwhile, the report suggested that the decline in student visas could reshape international education trends and influence the future U.S. workforce.
