F-1 visa in 2025: What Indian students need to know about delays and policy changes

Indian students aspiring to study in the US face increasing challenges in 2025 due to tightened F-1 visa policies, a sharp decline in visa approvals, and mounting delays. The shift comes amid heightened scrutiny, stricter regulations under the new administration, and a sharp drop in F-1 visa issuances. With growing procedural hurdles and a looming threat to Optional Practical Training (OPT), students must act quickly and consider alternative destinations like Canada or the UK for post-graduate opportunities.