Number of US study visas issued, 2016-2023 (Thousands of Visas)
US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs
04 Feb 2024
The United States, which hosts over half a million international students annually, saw fluctuations in study visa issuance from 2016 to 2023, with a significant drop observed in 2020. Despite this decline, it remains a leading destination for international education, have recovered above pre-pandemic levels by 2022. The shift to online learning, alongside concerns about health and safety, influenced many students to defer or cancel their plans to study in the United States. However, with the gradual easing of travel restrictions and the reopening of educational institutions, the issuance of US student visas began to rebound in 2021. This trend continued into 2023, with a notable 22.5% increase compared to 2019.ย
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