# US student visa restrictions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-student-visa-restrictions > Updated: 2026-08-04T19:26:41.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. The Center for Immigration Studies confirmed that U.S. F‑1 student visas to Indian and Chinese nationals fell dramatically during the May‑August 2025 peak, with only 22,149 Indian visas issued—a 60 % drop from the 2017‑19/2021‑24 average and a 62 % decline from 2024 – and 40,034 Chinese visas, down 46 % from the multi‑year average and 34 % below the 2024 level. Together, India and China still represent roughly 53 % of the 1.18 million foreign students enrolled in U.S. post‑secondary institutions for the 2024‑25 academic year. Analysts warn the shortfall could choke the pipeline of Optional Practical Training (OPT) graduates, especially in STEM fields, and argue the trend may “greatly benefit American students and national security.” Fitch Ratings projected that the new immigration rules will shrink international enrollment, which fell 17 % in the fall 2025 semester and contributed to a 1 % overall decline in foreign‑student numbers. Colleges that depend on foreign students for 10‑15 % or more of their enrollment face heightened tuition‑revenue risk, prompting many to broaden recruitment beyond traditional source countries and cut costs. The suspension of visa processing for 75 countries—largely in Africa and the Caribbean—disproportionately affects Historically Black Colleges and Universities, jeopardizing international faculty, research programs, and the pipeline of Black professionals trained at these institutions. ## Claims - The United States issued 22,149 F‑1 visas to Indian nationals between May and August 2025. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The 22,149 visas represent a 60 % decline from the 2017‑19 and 2021‑24 average of 55,717. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The United States issued 40,034 F‑1 visas to Chinese nationals between May and August 2025. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The 40,034 visas represent a 46 % decline from the 2017‑19 and 2021‑24 average of 73,853. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Indian and Chinese students together accounted for 53 % of the 1.18 million foreign students enrolled in U.S. post‑secondary institutions in the 2024‑25 academic year. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The CIS report argues that the visa decline could greatly benefit American students and U.S. national security. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The decline may restrict the pipeline of foreign graduates entering the U.S. Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, especially in STEM fields. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The CIS report was authored by former congressional counsel George Fishman. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-04: U.S. student visa restrictions threaten college enrollment and finances U.S. F‑1 visa rule changes could cut international student enrollment, hit tuition revenue, and especially harm HBCUs reliant on foreign scholars. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-student-visa-restrictions-threaten-college-enrollment-and-finances ### 2026-08-04: US Student Visa Issuances to Indian and Chinese Nationals Plummet in 2025 CIS data reveal US F‑1 visas to Indian and Chinese students fell sharply in May‑August 2025, dropping 60‑% for Indians and 46‑% for Chinese, cutting their share of foreign students and raising security and OPT‑ 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-student-visa-issuances-to-indian-and-chinese-nationals-plunge-in-2025 --- Cite as: US student visa restrictions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-student-visa-restrictions