New Visa Rules for Indian Students: For Indian students aspiring to obtain a global education, the selection of study destinations is significantly shaped by visa regulations. Recent modifications in policies across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany are altering these aspirations. The ability to secure employment post-graduation or to bring family members along has become as vital as the pursuit of academic excellence, with the simplicity of a nation’s visa procedures playing a crucial role.
The recent adjustments in visa policies in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany are prompting Indian students to reconsider their options, emphasizing employment prospects, regulatory ease, and immigration routes. This year has witnessed substantial developments in the realm of international education, including alterations in study visa regulations and an increase in permissible work hours for international students. Some nations are tightening their visa requirements to limit immigration, while others are relaxing their rules to attract foreign students.
New Visa Rules for Indian Students
According to data presented by the Indian government in the Rajya Sabha, over 1.335 million Indian students are currently engaged in higher education abroad. The number of Indian students studying overseas rose from 1,318,955 in 2023 to 1,335,878 in 2024. Although the year-on-year growth has been modest, the total of students pursuing higher education internationally has surged dramatically compared to pre-pandemic figures. The count increased from 675,541 in 2019 to 685,097 in 2020, then leaped to 1,158,702 in 2021, before declining to 907,404 in 2022. Nevertheless, the numbers rebounded to 1,318,955 in 2023 and further to 1,335,878 in 2024.
Gaurav Batra, the Founder and CEO of Infinite Group, observes that Indian students are increasingly favoring countries with more accessible job opportunities and permanent residency options. This trend signifies a broader consideration that transcends mere administrative processes; it encapsulates the integration of educational pursuits with personal aspirations.
New US Visa Rule for Indian Students
The United States, which historically ranked as the premier destination for Indian students, is now under scrutiny due to its intricate visa regulations. Batra highlights that the tightening of these policies has resulted in a decline in applications. The rising rates of visa rejections and apprehensions regarding job stability after graduation have prompted many students to reevaluate their choices. Nevertheless, alternatives such as the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for STEM graduates continue to attract interest. Sachin Jain, Country Manager of ETS India and South Asia, notes that “OPT permits STEM graduates to remain and work in the U.S. for a maximum of three years.”
However, this program is not without its drawbacks, as students have voiced concerns regarding the availability of long-term immigration options. Adding another layer to the discussion, Abhijit Zaveri, Founder and Director of Career Mosaic, suggests that with Donald Trump potentially returning to office, there may be opportunities for more favorable immigration policies for Indian students, including eased pathways to Green Cards. This evolving landscape necessitates that students remain vigilant and informed about the changing circumstances.
America Visa Rule for Indian Students
With Donald Trump set to return to the White House this January, many US universities are urging international students to come back to the country before he takes office. This advisory comes as Trump promised during his campaign to carry out a significant deportation effort, potentially involving the military. According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, over 400,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in US higher education, as reported by BBC. Some experts worry that a second Trump term could lead to tougher regulations on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
During his first term, Senior Adviser Stephen Miller suggested ending a program that allows international students in STEM fields to work in the US for up to three years on their student visas, as noted by The Wall Street Journal. In a podcast during his campaign, Trump mentioned the idea of making it easier for graduates to obtain green cards, saying, “It’s so sad when we lose people from Harvard, MIT, and other great schools.
New Zealand Visa Rule for Indian Students
In November of this year, New Zealand declared that international students who complete a postgraduate diploma lasting 30 weeks and subsequently enroll in a Master’s degree program are now qualified to apply for a Post Study Work (PSW) visa.
Students, who have undertaken a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for 30 weeks and then transitioned directly to a Master’s program, even if they were not enrolled in the Master’s for a full 30 weeks, can now seek a Post Study Work visa (PSWV) based on their PGDip studies. This policy aims to enhance students’ flexibility in their academic pursuits and to ensure their eligibility to work following the completion of their qualifications, as stated in the official announcement.
Germany Visa Rule for Indian Students [New]
During the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz revealed plans to raise the annual quota of visas for skilled Indian workers from 20,000 to 90,000. The latest data from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) indicated that Indian nationals remain significant contributors to Germany’s international academic landscape, with approximately 49,000 students and 6,700 researchers from India currently enrolled in German institutions.
Notably, around 80 percent of international researchers in Germany are affiliated with universities, including about 4,000 professors, while the remaining 20 percent are engaged in non-university research organizations. The majority of international researchers hail from India (6,700) followed by China (5,900) and Italy (5,800).
UK Visa Rule for Indian Students
A report released by the United Kingdom’s Home Office indicated a 23 percent decrease in the number of Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK, despite their continued status as the largest group receiving leave to remain under the Graduate Route visa, which permits foreign graduates to work in the UK for two years post-degree.
Experts have expressed concerns that this decline may signal the initial effects of newly implemented stricter regulations regarding the rights of student visa holders to bring dependent family members, which were enacted earlier this year.
CANADA: REINFORCING REGULATIONS ON STUDY PERMITS
Canada has historically been a preferred destination for Indian students, known for its welcoming visa regulations and robust educational infrastructure. However, the introduction of more stringent immigration policies and limitations on student permits is beginning to create concerns. Additionally, new requirements regarding language proficiency and specific fields of study have been implemented. Abhijit Zaveri notes a significant 70% decrease in enrolments since 2021, attributed to these stricter immigration measures.
Nevertheless, Sachin Jain highlights that “Canada and Australia have enhanced post-study work opportunities, particularly for graduates in STEM and other priority sectors.” Despite these obstacles, Canada’s allocation of 437,000 study permits for 2024 underscores its ongoing dedication to international education. Piyush Kumar emphasizes that the Canadian government is committed to providing foreign students with excellent infrastructural support, reassuring those pursuing quality education.
AUSTRALIA: RESTRICTIONS ON STUDENT NUMBERS TO MITIGATE OVERCROWDING
Australia’s recent decision to limit international student enrolments to 270,000 for 2025 is aimed at addressing concerns related to overcrowding and the allocation of resources. This policy shift will have significant implications for universities that host a large number of international students. The objective is to achieve a more balanced representation of domestic and international students, as explained by Kumar.
For prospective students, this translates to increased competition for available spots at Australian institutions. However, Australia’s extended post-study work rights for graduates in high-demand fields, akin to those in Canada, continue to make it an attractive option for Indian students.
Conclusion
If you graduate from a college, I think you should get a green card automatically as part of your diploma.” Despite changes in visa policies in Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US, experts believe there are still plenty of opportunities for talented students, as countries compete to attract the best minds, according to Piyush Kumar from IDP Education.
