Enrollment of Overseas Students in the US in 2022 reached pre-pandemic levels

The enrollment of overseas students in the US increased by 10% in 2022 and reached pre-pandemic levels. Further, this year also had some exciting trends to be noted as well. The number of active F-1 Visa and M-1 Visa student holders in 2022 was 1,362,157 and it was a hike of 10% over 2021. This is a clear indication that enrollment of overseas students has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.  

The global pandemic had considerably influenced the numbers of overseas students for quite a while now. However, the year 2022 witnessed the highest number of enrollments after 2019. The other major trends pertain to the source destinations for overseas students to the US and the US locations they select for settlement for their studies.

Overseas students participated in a range of programs and degrees across the US. All 4 US regions experienced a hike in the enrollment of overseas students in 2022. California was the destination chosen by the maximum number of overseas students overall in comparison with any other state.

The enrollment of overseas students in the US in 2022 was spread across from 227 nations globally.  The highly popular continent of origin was Asia which accounted for 70% plus of the overall population of overseas students in the US. Nation-wise, India, and China accounted for most of the students.

 The F-1 Student Visa

Overseas students are allowed to reside temporarily in the US on an F-1 Visa. It is for a fixed time period for studies at a conservatory, seminary, college, or school. All prospective students require a US Study Visa for pursuing studies in the US except if they have a Green Card or are a citizen of the US.

The US has abundant courses as well as study destinations and consequently, the F-1 Visa has quite extensive application and very evident rules as well. Firstly, you must be arriving in the US with the intention to study temporarily. It means that F-1 Visa is not a migrant Visa.

You must be enrolled at an academic institution and not a vocational or training school which requires an M-1 Visa. This institution must have approval from the DHS - Department of Homeland Security under the SEVP - Student Exchange and Visitor Program. It implies having accreditation for accepting overseas students on F-1 Visas.

F-1 Visa holder is permitted to work and as it is a non-migrant Visa there will be restrictions in terms of location and kind of work. While you can be accompanied by your children and Spouse the latter cannot work but the children can be admitted to schools. They will be allocated the F-2 Visa and will be tied to the status of your Visa.

Effective 17 June 2023, the application costs for Non-immigrant US Visas have been increased by 15%. So, all those who apply for Exchange, Student, or Travel Visas from this date onwards will have to pay the increased fees.

Eligibility for F-1 Student Visa

You have to fulfill the following requirements to apply for the F-1 Visa: 

• File application and obtain acceptance in a study course at a US school approved under SEVP. Such institutions include not only Universities but also Conservatories, Private Elementary Schools, Seminaries, High Schools, and Language Programs.
• Have enrollment as a full-time student at the chosen institution
• Have proficiency in English or enrollment in a course resulting in proficiency in English
• Have evidence of adequate monetary funds for supporting studies in the US
• Have a connection with your home nation for showing the intention to return upon completing studies in the US as the F-1 Visa is only a Temporary Visa
• Reside overseas at the time of submitting the application

The process of filing an application and obtaining approval for the F-1 Visa can be quite tricky for many students. You can opt for counseling and support from Overseas Education Consultants in India to navigate the process successfully.

The F-1 Visa Interview

The interview at the US Consulate or Embassy is a crucial and final stage in the process to obtain F-1 Student Visa. The Consular Officer will approve your Visa application at the interview itself if everything goes well.

The chief objective of the interview is to determine the eligibility of the applicant for studying in the US and if they will comply with the US Student Visa terms.

The Officer at the US Consulate will seek general queries pertaining to your chosen study program, your monetary arrangements, your plan for supporting yourself while studying in the US, and your immigration plans for the future.

To apply for the US F-1 Student Visa contact Study Overseas Counselors at Study Visa the Best Study Abroad Consultant in India.