.jpeg)
International student numbers in the United States are shifting again and the newest findings from the Institute of International Education (IIE) show a clear slowdown. According to IIE’s latest Fall Snapshot survey, new international student enrolments fell by 17% this semester, confirming ongoing concerns about visa policies, travel barriers, and the political climate.
While the decline is significant, the broader picture is far more nuanced.
Overall International Student Numbers Dip Slightly
Total international student participation in the U.S. fell by 1%, including students in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
IIE gathered responses from 825 institutions, representing more than half of the entire international student population in the country—making this one of the most comprehensive fall surveys in the past 20 years.
Breakdown of the 1% Decline
Graduate enrolments: 12%
Undergraduate enrolments: 2%
OPT participation: 14%
This aligns with the newly released Open Doors report for the 2024/25 academic year, which recorded:
4% growth in international undergraduates
3% decline in graduate numbers
21% surge in OPT participation
Resulting in an overall 4.5% increase in international students
However, despite this longer-term growth, new international enrolments dropped by 7% in 2024/25, and the latest semester’s 17% decline suggests the trend is accelerating.
Why New Enrolments Fell 17% This Semester
Although the decline was expected due to tightening U.S. immigration policies, the drop was less severe than the 30–40% crash predicted by organizations like NAFSA and JB International.
READ ALSO - Malta Sees 27% Surge in International Student Enrolments in 2023/24
Top Factors Impacting Enrolment
Among institutions that recorded decreases:
96% pointed to visa application delays or denials
68% cited travel restrictions
Many referenced the suspension of visa interviews this past June, peak season for new F-1 applicants
Other policies adding to student uncertainty include:
Expanded social media screening
Travel restrictions involving 19 countries
Proposed time limits on student visas
These measures have collectively made the U.S. a more difficult destination for prospective applicants.
Post-Pandemic Surge Is Now Stabilizing
IIE’s head of research, Mirka Martel, emphasized that the recent record highs in enrolments were driven by pent-up post-COVID demand, which is now cooling to more sustainable levels.
Despite policy pressures, Martel notes the U.S. remains an attractive choice for international students, especially given strong institutional recruitment efforts.
How Institutions Are Responding
Facing volatility, U.S. colleges and universities are adapting their strategies:
72% are offering deferrals to Spring 2026
56% are offering deferrals to Fall 2026
81% say they prioritize international outreach due to the value of diverse perspectives
60% cite the financial contributions of international students
56% emphasize alignment with long-term strategy
Target Countries for Recruitment
Undergraduate focus:
Vietnam
India
Brazil
South Korea
Graduate focus:
India
Vietnam
China
Bangladesh
More institutions are also increasing recruitment efforts within the United States, targeting:
International students attending U.S. high schools
Current undergraduates who may pursue graduate programs
OPT Continues to Be a Critical Factor
One of the most striking insights from the survey is the overwhelming importance of OPT:
92% of institutions said students would likely choose another country if OPT were removed.
OPT growth continues to rise:
21% and 22% increases in the past two years
47% increase among Indian students in 2024/25 alone
However, OPT is now facing political scrutiny, with some lawmakers advocating for significant restrictions or even termination of the program, an outcome that could dramatically reshape U.S. competitiveness.
Mixed Signals From Different Data Sources
Recent federal data from the International Trade Administration reported a 19% drop in international student arrivals, though this didn’t distinguish between new and returning students. Many students avoided traveling home over the summer due to uncertainty, making the arrival data misleading.
The Fall Snapshot’s 1% overall decline matches the latest SEVIS data, though SEVIS does not separate OPT from current enrolments, masking deeper drops in new student numbers.
Conclusion: A Decline, but Not a Collapse
The U.S. remains a major global destination for international students, but policy changes and visa hurdles are clearly reshaping the landscape. The 17% drop in new enrolments is a serious warning sign but far from the catastrophic decline many feared.
With institutions offering more deferrals, expanding recruitment markets, and advocating for policy stability, the sector is adapting. Yet, future enrolment numbers may hinge heavily on immigration policies and the fate of OPT.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, immigration, or investment advice. All statistics and insights are based on publicly available reports and institutional surveys.