Indian students and their families are increasingly anxious about the future of studying in the US due to recent restrictive visa policies under the Trump administration, leading many to consider alternative countries like the UK and European nations for higher education.
In 2023, 56% of US visas issued in India were for individuals from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, highlighting the growing presence of the Telugu community in the United States. India surpassed China as the largest sender of students to the US, with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana contributing significantly to this trend. The US Consulate in Hyderabad is expanding its staff to manage the increasing number of visa applications. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in American students enrolling in Indian universities, with a 300% increase in 2023.
A record number of Indian students are pursuing higher education in the United States, driven by aspirations for better job prospects and higher pay. India's growing economy is unable to provide adequate job opportunities, leading many students to seek education abroad. U.S. universities are benefiting from the surge in enrollment, particularly in fields facing labor shortages. However, the high cost of education and challenges with student visas present obstacles for many aspiring students. Despite these challenges, the trend reflects a growing interest in overseas education among India's young population.
French President Emmanuel Macron, as the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade, announced plans to increase the number of Indian students studying in France to over 30,000 by 2030. Measures include setting up international classes for non-French speaking students, expanding the network of Alliances francaises for learning French, and facilitating the visa process for former Indian students who studied in France.
New curbs on legal migration to the UK, including raising the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas and banning dependents for overseas care workers, have sparked anger and concerns among Indian students and business professionals. Representatives warn that these measures will drive Indian professionals to seek opportunities elsewhere, discourage Indian companies from doing business in the UK, and have a negative economic impact. Indian students contribute approximately £25 billion to the UK economy annually, and the UK universities heavily rely on them. The move to tighten visa rules could also lead to an economic disaster for the UK and negatively affect Indian students.
Over 268,000 Indian students are currently studying in the US, comprising one-fourth of all international students. India has surpassed China as the country with the most graduate students in the US. The growth of Indian immigrants in the US has made it an attractive destination for many Indians seeking the "American Dream," although whether the US lives up to these expectations remains uncertain.
The Open Doors 2023 report on international educational exchange reveals that the number of Indian students studying in the US has reached an all-time high, with a 35% increase compared to the previous year. India remains the second leading country of origin for students in the US, with China in the top spot. The report also shows a robust growth in the number of Indian students choosing to stay in the US on OPT (optional practical training) after completing their studies. Despite concerns about job losses, the data indicates a strong interest from Indian students to continue their education in the US, with an overall increase in international students on OPT. US institutions have reported an increase in new Indian student enrollment, and India remains a priority for undergraduate and graduate recruitment.
Indian students have surpassed Chinese students as the largest group of international students in the US, with over 320,000 active Indian student visa holders compared to about 254,000 from China. The enrollment of Indian students in US campuses has doubled over the last decade, while the number of Chinese students has declined. This shift in the talent pool has implications for the US in maintaining its leadership in scientific research, defense technology, and the hi-tech industry. While there are similarities and differences between Indian and Chinese students, such as work ethic and communication skills, the US will need to attract a diverse population of international students from various countries to fill the talent gap.
Canadian authorities have charged an Indian man, Brijesh Mishra, for issuing fraudulent university letters of acceptance to Indian students and other immigration-related criminal offences. Mishra is facing five charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Canada is a popular destination for international students since it is relatively easy to obtain a work permit. Earlier this year, several students from India had been served deportation papers for using forged documents to enter Canada in an alleged immigration scheme.
Canada's Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, has announced that the planned deportation of dozens of Indian students who used fraudulent university letters of acceptance to enter the country will be frozen. A special task force will review each case of a student who has been told to leave, and any pending removals will be halted. Students who were genuine applicants and were victimized by fraudsters will be allowed to remain in Canada, while those who were complicit in the fraudulent scheme will be held accountable.
Canada has postponed the deportation of 700 Indian students accused of obtaining visas on the basis of fraudulent admission letters for Canadian universities. The move comes after protests and consistent efforts by the Indian government to urge Canada to adopt a humane approach since the students were not at fault. Canadian authorities have been urged to take strict action against those who misled the students. The students had gone to Canada during 2017-19 and most of them had completed their studies.
Indian students, mainly from Punjab, are protesting in Canada against possible deportation over allegations of "admission on fake offer letters" by travel agents back home. Nearly 700 students are said to be on the radar of the Canadian authorities. The students have contacted Canadian immigration minister Sean Fraser, who has assured them that he would look into the matter. CBSA, however, maintains students entered "under false pretence, fraudulently".