foreign student enrollment drops us tightens visas 2026

India, china, and nigeria face the longest consular delays, prompting students to choose canada and europe. · the number of international students coming to study in the u. s. New data suggests fewer international students are choosing what were once the most sought-after universities in the united states , with overseas enrolment slipping for the first time in three years as immigration rules tighten and political pressure builds on elite. · a survey of more than 800 us universities and colleges suggest visa delays and denials were among the top issues behind the decline. · us graduate international student enrollment dropped 5. 9% in 2025 as the trump administration continues to clampdown on visas and immigration. · is the american dream fading? · analysts forecast a 15% enrollment drop through 2026 , risking about $7 billion in college revenue. · as the federal government has clamped down on student visas , industry groups have warned of international enrollment declines that threaten school budgets and american colleges’ standing in the world. Dropped for the first time in three years, according to new data. Universities is down by 1. Enrollments of foreign students at u. s.