A NAFSA report has projected that stricter US visa rules and policy uncertainty could reduce international student registrations by up to 1.1 lakh in Fall 2026. The decline may cause a USD 3.4 billion drop in local spending and affect around 39,000 jobs, with India remaining the largest source of foreign students.

Washington: Stricter visa rules and uncertain policy are expected to lead to up to 1.1 lakh fewer registrations of foreign students in American colleges and universities in Fall 2026, a new report by a non-profit organisation of educators said.

The NAFSA: Association of International Educators report projected that the decline in enrolment of international students could lead to a loss of USD 3.4 billion in local spending and hit an estimated 39,000 jobs.

Decline in student registrations

As per the report by NAFSA and research firm JB International, the registration of international students in Fall 2025-26 was an estimated 11.69 lakh, which has declined to 10.57 lakh this year.