Thousands of international students stranded as US visa backlog worsens

International students admitted to top American universities are facing major uncertainty as delays in visa processing continue to disrupt their plans to begin classes this fall.

Despite the State Department resuming visa interviews in mid-June, the backlog and restrictions have left thousands unable to enter the United States in time, putting both student futures and institutional budgets at risk.

With appointment availability still limited, many students are encountering extended wait times, increased scrutiny, and, in some instances, outright visa denials.

The higher education sector is feeling the impact, which affects not only enrollment numbers but also revenue and diversity on campuses.

At Arizona State University, the scale of the disruption is particularly stark. ASU President Michael Crow noted that around 1,000 international students are still waiting on visas.

“The financial toll is in the tens of millions of dollars,” he said, underlining the broader implications of the crisis.

University officials warn that the issue is not simply a logistical hurdle but a significant loss of talent, partnerships, and potential alumni.

Furman University in South Carolina is also seeing the effects. First-year student numbers are expected to fall from 613 last year to 562, a decline largely attributed to international enrollment challenges, according to reports in the US media.

Although the visa interview process resumed after a month-long pause, the rollout has been inconsistent.

At a leading private university, staff observed a striking difference in visa approvals between students from China and India, with seven times more visas granted to Chinese students than to Indian applicants during a single week in June.

Smaller institutions are similarly affected. An admissions officer from a private college with fewer than 100 international students reported that up to 10 students are still unable to obtain visas, far higher than the typical one or two delays in past years.

Such numbers can substantially affect both classroom demographics and tuition income.

According to projections by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International, new international student enrollment could drop by nearly 30% this fall.

Shorelight, a global education company, estimates this could cost US universities roughly $2.6 billion in lost tuition revenue.

In response to the uncertainty, some universities are taking alternative steps. The University of Arizona is opening a satellite campus in London for students who cannot travel to the US.

Northeastern University is offering remote learning options and access to its campuses in London and Toronto.

Meanwhile, the Harvard Kennedy School is exploring a temporary arrangement for affected students at the University of Toronto’s Munk School.

The situation has caught the attention of US lawmakers. In late June, members of Congress asked the State Department to explain how it plans to address the growing backlog, especially in cases involving Indian students.

However, a department notice posted on June 30 said, “Additional or new appointments for student or exchange visitor visa applications will be extremely limited until further notice.”

A State Department spokesperson described visa scheduling as “dynamic,” adding that requests for expedited appointments are being reviewed individually. But with departure deadlines approaching, many students are left frustrated and anxious.

Experts warn that beyond the immediate financial losses and student hardship, the US risks damaging its long-held position as the top destination for global education.

Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia are already attracting students who have grown disillusioned with US immigration hurdles.

What was once seen as the pinnacle of global academic mobility is now at risk of becoming a cautionary example.

If the current restrictions remain in place, experts say the effects could linger well beyond this year, potentially impacting future rankings, research opportunities, and America’s broader role in international higher education.

For many students, the dream of studying in the US is slipping away, as time and options run out.