The number of new international students joining US colleges has fallen sharply this autumn, dropping by 17% compared to previous years, according to a report released Monday.
Experts link the decline mainly to visa complications, including delays and denials, which have made it harder for students to start studies in the United States.
The survey, carried out by the Institute of International Education, covered 828 higher learning institutions across the country.
While the flow of new students slowed, the total international student population dipped only slightly, by around 1%, indicating that students already studying in the US mostly continued their programs.
International students make up roughly 6% of all university enrollments and contributed $55 billion to the US economy in 2024, according to Commerce Department figures. Their presence also provides a significant financial boost to colleges, as most pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.
"There are warning signs for future years, and I'm really concerned about what this portends for fall '26 and '27," said Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, speaking to the Associated Press.
The 17% decline in new students was less severe than early predictions by NAFSA, a non-profit representing international educators, which had suggested a possible 30% to 40% drop this autumn due to visa issues.
Most universities remain committed to recruiting international students, with 84% identifying foreign student enrollment as a top priority. Many institutions have responded to the challenges by offering deferrals, which rose 39% compared to last year, giving students more time to resolve visa or travel difficulties.
According to the report, several factors contributed to the fall in new enrollments: delays in visa processing, travel restrictions affecting about 2% of foreign students, and worries among some students about feeling unwelcome in the United States.
Recent White House measures have further limited international student access. Earlier this year, visa appointments were paused, and when resumed in June, applications faced additional screening, including reviews of social media accounts.
These policies followed pro-Palestine demonstrations at many college campuses. In addition, over 6,000 student visas were revoked for violations such as assault, DUI, and support for terrorism.
Despite the challenges, President Trump has emphasized the value of foreign students. In September, he announced plans to double the number of Chinese student visas to 600,000, highlighting their financial contribution to higher education.
"You know, the students pay more than double when they come in from most foreign countries," Trump said on Fox News last week. "I want to see our school system thrive. And it's not that I want them, but I view it as a business."
