The number of international student visas issued by the United States fell sharply in May, cutting off access for thousands just as they prepared for fall enrollment. According to new State Department data, F‑1 student visa issuances dropped by 22 percent while J‑1 visas fell 13 percent compared to the same month last year.
This sudden drop is tied to U.S. policy changes that disrupted visa interviews and introduced new security screening rules. The impact is already being felt by students, universities, and global education programs, with many unsure if plans for study in the U.S. will move forward.
Why Student Visa Issuances Dropped in May
Several policy and administrative actions in May contributed to the decline in student visa issuances. On May 27, the U.S. State Department paused all F, M, and J visa interviews worldwide.
The Institute of International Education (IIE), an organization that tracks trends in global student mobility, has reported increased concerns among international students about their ability to navigate these disruptions in the visa process. The pause allowed consular staff to begin implementing new social-media screening procedures, which are now part of the visa vetting process.
Interviews resumed in early June, but the disruption affected applicants in the peak season for fall admissions.
A separate presidential proclamation signed on June 9 imposed new visa restrictions targeting nationals from several countries. The order included limitations on F‑1 and J‑1 visas, resulting in significantly fewer issuances to students from affected regions. Applicants from China also experienced a notable drop, with F‑1 visa approvals for Chinese nationals declining by approximately 15 percent.
Who Is Most Affected
The sharp decline in student visa issuances has had the most visible impact on international students planning to start academic programs in the United States for the fall 2025 term.
F‑1 visa applicants, who are typically enrolled in full-time academic programs at U.S. colleges and universities, saw a reduction of more than 12,600 issuances compared to May 2024. J‑1 visa holders, including exchange students, scholars, and visiting researchers, also experienced fewer approvals, limiting their ability to participate in sponsored programs.
Applicants from countries named in the June 9 presidential proclamation have been disproportionately affected. The order placed immediate restrictions on visa eligibility for nationals from multiple countries, primarily on national security grounds. Although full details of the policy’s implementation have not been released, preliminary data show that visa issuances for affected nationalities dropped significantly.
Chinese students, who consistently represent one of the largest international student populations in the U.S., experienced additional delays and denials. Reports suggest increased document scrutiny and extended background checks, especially related to the new requirement for social-media review.
The decline in visas for Chinese nationals may influence institutional enrollment projections and partnership programs between U.S. and Chinese universities.
In some regions, local U.S. consulates were unable to reschedule paused visa interviews quickly, creating additional barriers for applicants. This disruption, combined with the timing of new policy enforcement, left many students with limited options for fall entry.
Impact on Fall 2025 Enrollment
Fewer Students Arriving for the Fall Term
With thousands fewer student visas issued in May alone, many colleges and universities are preparing for lower numbers of international students on campus. This decline is particularly concerning for institutions that had already planned orientation programs, housing, and coursework around projected enrollment levels.
Delays in visa interviews and approvals may prevent students from arriving on time, even if their visas are eventually granted.
Budget Pressures for Universities
Many U.S. institutions depend on international student tuition to support academic programs, research initiatives, and financial aid for domestic students. A sustained drop in enrollment could lead to budget shortfalls, especially at public universities and smaller private colleges. Some schools may be forced to cut nonessential programs or freeze hiring if revenue targets are not met.
Risks to Graduate and STEM Programs
Graduate schools, especially those offering programs in engineering, computer science, and other technical fields, often rely on international applicants to fill class sizes. A lower yield of admitted international students could impact faculty research, lab work, and departmental funding. Programs with a heavy focus on research assistants or teaching assistants from abroad may face staffing challenges as well.
Shortened Timeline to Adjust
Because the drop occurred in May and interviews only resumed in June, many students and institutions had little time to adjust plans before the fall semester. Some universities may attempt to defer international admissions to spring 2026, but doing so may complicate housing availability, visa timelines, and course sequencing. Others may shift recruitment resources toward domestic or online student markets to fill the gap.
What Students Can Do Now
International students facing visa delays should take the following steps:
- Apply Early: Start the visa process well before your program begins. Schedule interviews as soon as possible.
- Prepare for Screening: Ensure your documents and public social-media profiles are consistent and complete.
- Check Restrictions: Monitor travel.state.gov for updates on country-specific visa suspensions or requirements.
- Ask About Alternatives: Contact your school about deferrals or online start options if your visa will not be approved in time.
Understanding the New Screening Policy
As of late May 2025, U.S. consular officers began applying expanded security procedures for F, M, and J visa applicants. This includes a review of publicly available social-media profiles as part of the background check. The new process applies to both new applicants and some students seeking renewals or status changes.
The policy led to a temporary suspension of visa interviews worldwide from May 27 through early June, as consulates updated internal systems and trained staff on the new requirements. Interviews have resumed, but the additional steps may result in longer processing times and follow-up requests for documentation. Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is accurate and consistent with online activity that may be reviewed by consular officials.
Conclusion
Student visa issuance disruptions in May signal broader changes in how the U.S. processes international applications. With new screening rules and travel restrictions now in effect, many students face added uncertainty. Institutions are already preparing for the consequences this fall.
Planning ahead is now more important than ever. Students should act early, stay informed, and seek support when needed. DocuEntry will continue to provide updates and assistance as policies evolve.