US Student Visa Rejections Peak For Telugu Applicants

Over half of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh student visa applications are being rejected by US authorities at the highest rate in 20 years. Even Ivy League admittees are facing refusals, stricter scrutiny, potential overstays, and minor discrepancies believed to be causes. Students are considering alternatives like the UK and Germany amid uncertainties.

Over half of the student visa applications from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are denied by US authorities for study abroad consultants in Hyderabad. This marks the highest rejection rate in 20 years, with even students admitted to Ivy League universities facing refusals. This comes at a time when the two Telugu-speaking states sent more students to the US than any other state in the country.

"January intake was the worst season for us. The upcoming summer intake shows similar trends", said Arvind Manduva from I20 Fever, a registered study-abroad consultancy. US visa officials are no longer providing reasons for rejection. However, after reviewing denied applications, consultancies believe minor discrepancies in personal details, education history, or supporting documents may be the cause. Previously, such issues were often overlooked if key documents were in order, but stricter scrutiny appears ahead of Trump 2.0.

A recent US govt report revealed that in the 2023-24 academic year, 6.79 lakh F-1 visa applications were filed. Of these, 2.79 lakhs, or 41%, were rejected. Indian students accounted for a prominent portion of these denials. "While the number of students considering studying abroad remains steady, many are hesitant. They are looking at alternative destinations such as the UK and Germany. The traditional preference for London is changing within the UK, with Wales and Scotland emerging as preferred destinations," said Sahas Yuvrah from Way 2 Abroad Consultancy.

Students overstaying their visas has also contributed to fewer visa approvals.

"In 2023, around 7000 Indian students overstayed their visas in the US, according to the US Department of Homeland Security's report to Congress for fiscal year 2023. Many of them struggled to find employment, which made it impossible for them to maintain their visa status, leading to them remaining in the country illegally. The US is now taking strict measures to filter out potential overstays," explained Chirandeep Patnaik of Lemma One Consultancy.

Although students are looking at alternative destinations away from the US, many remain apprehensive due to visa restrictions and political instability in other countries. "It feels like international students are being discouraged from applying. I was excited about studying abroad, but now my enthusiasm has faded," said a Btech student who is set to graduate in May.

"The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest national security and public safety standards in our visa process. The number of Indian students in the United States grew significantly in the 2023-2024 academic year. India is now the number one sender of international students to the United States," a statement issued by the US consulate said.

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