Stricter immigration laws in the United States have made things more difficult for Indian students. The notification by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about monitoring the social media accounts of visa applicants raises additional concerns for the students and their families as rumors of student permits being revoked by American colleges circulate.
The enthusiasm of Indian students in US higher education is unaffected by these obstacles, nevertheless, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs and emerging sectors like artificial intelligence (AI). According to experts, this is because the US offers an unmatched advanced research environment, global exposure, post-study employment prospects, and access to cutting-edge industry.
The number of applied-AI programs that institutions have introduced has nearly doubled in the past two years. Additionally, traditional STEM programs are still relevant, with engineering, data science, and computer science holding prominent places. All of these fit very nicely with job openings. Akshay Chaturvedi, the founder and CEO of Leverage Edu, told the Times of India that there is a desire for business programs that use technology or have a strong analytics component.
In reality, compared to the prior year, the number of students enrolled in US colleges increased by 23% in 2023–2024. However, because of the constantly shifting US immigration policy, 2025 is not without its concerns.
“Students are asking more questions than before about immigration policies, job prospects, and the broader political climate. The US is still seen as a top destination, but there’s a growing need for clarity around long-term pathways,” Chaturvedi added.
However, according to experts, students are becoming more careful when navigating the immigration process. As a fallback, they are also having other nations on hand.
Because of its academic reputation, cutting-edge research facilities, industry-relevant programs, access to high-quality education, and wide range of opportunities, the US is a popular choice for international students. According to a story by The Economic Times, Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia and Mauritius at IDP Education, stated that students who are interested in STEM subjects typically choose the US as their first choice because of its thriving environment.
According to Mr Kumar, although there’s a dip in interest this year due to the stringent immigration policies, the demand will catch up in the coming months.
Regarding the three-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period that STEM graduates get, Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder and director of Collegify, said that is also a major attraction for STEM graduates, “The presence of global recruiters, Fortune 500 internships, startup ecosystems around US campuses, and curriculum flexibility, are a magnet for ambitious minds.”
According to Mr. Khandelwal, the number of applicants to the top 50 US institutions has increased by 22%.
In the meanwhile, experts advise students to act and make decisions early in order to be ready. “I am telling students to be proactive and strategic because this year is going to be unpredictable on the immigration front.” To accommodate for unforeseen circumstances, such as probable reapplications, they should submit their visa application as soon as feasible. The founder of Scholar Strategy and 24NorthStar, Nistha Tripathi, advised them to be diligent in their preparation for the visa interview and to be meticulous with their documentation.
“Political associations and social media are taken seriously by US immigration authorities. She advised students to be mindful of their online presence and to keep their digital and physical footprints tidy while concentrating on their studies.
AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, engineering, medicinal sciences, environmental studies, business, and finance are among the most popular areas of study among Indian students, according to recent trends.
