US student visa delays: Why Indian students are facing a crucial wait
As the US fall semester approaches, a group of 30 senators have written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concerns over a shortage of visa appointments for international students and exchange visitors, particularly impacting Indian students. In a letter dated August 11, 2026, the senators reported that no timely appointments are available at some embassies and consulates, and they urged the State Department to address the issue promptly.
The senators highlighted that F, M, and J visas, which cover academic studies, vocational courses, and work-and-study-based cultural exchange programs, are affected. India is the largest source of international students in the US, with over 363,000 Indian students enrolled in American higher education for the 2024-25 academic year.
The senators emphasized the need for timely processing of these visas, expanding interview-waiver eligibility for vetted returning students, maintaining adequate staffing, and improving transparency around visa processing to avoid diminishing US competitiveness.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
