New US Visa Rules Create Major Roadblocks for Indian Students and Professionals

No More "Visa Shopping" Abroad

These new visa rules by the US have now closed a long-standing workaround that many Indian applicants, especially students, depended on for years. Applying from third countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, and Singapore to avoid massive backlogs at home. This strategy, which is formally known as "visa shopping", was especially popular during the pandemic when US embassies abroad were more accessible.

However, this option is now officially closed. As of early September 2025, all non-immigrant visa applicants, including F-1 (student), H-1B (work), B1/B2 (visitor), and I (journalist) visa holders, must apply from their country of residence or citizenship. What's more? Applications filed from third countries without legal residency will be rejected, and the hefty US visa fees are non-refundable.

Wait Times Surge in India

With all the applications being funnelled back to India, the consular wait time has surged even more. As of this month, the wait time in top Indian cities has increased to:

• Chennai: 14 months
• Mumbai: 9.5 months
• Delhi: 8 months
• Hyderabad: 7 months
• Kolkata: 6 months

Impact on Indian Students and US Universities

This new rule has landed a significant blow on Indian students and US universities, as student visa (F-1) approvals have dropped by 44% in recent months, and Indian enrolments in US institutions have already declined by nearly 28%. Given that Indian students form the largest group of international students in the US, this decline has both academic and economic consequences.

What's Behind the Crackdown?

The US government claims the crackdown is meant to ensure residency verification, reduce fraud, and bring more "order" to the system. However, critics argue it aligns with Trump-era immigration tightening, affecting not just efficiency but fairness.

What this means for Indian students:

• Expect longer delays for visa appointments within India.
• Be prepared for in-person interviews without exception.
• Account for increased documentation and legal scrutiny.
• Monitor closely for updates on the proposed four-year visa limit.
• Avoid even minor breaches of visa conditions to protect your status.

What Gradding's Experts Say

According to education consultants at Gradding, these new restrictions could lead to a fundamental shift in how Indian students approach US higher education. These experts also recommend that students should:

• Start planning at least 12–18 months in advance to account for potential delays.
• Maintain a clean academic and legal record to avoid scrutiny during the interview process.
• Keep a backup country option in mind to reduce dependence on one system.
• Consult professionals early in the application cycle to avoid missteps.

With this major setback, Gradding continues to assist students with updated timelines, personalised visa support, and alternative pathways.