Overview
- Hyderabad consultants forecast up to a 70% decline in Indian enrollments due to frozen visa slots and intensified vetting protocols
- The US Consulate General in Hyderabad has resumed slot releases but warned applicants to apply early and expect extended processing times
- A surge in denials under Section 214B has hit many clean-profile candidates who are unable to demonstrate sufficient home-country ties
- Persistent scheduling uncertainty is driving some students to withdraw US applications and pursue alternatives such as Germany
- American universities warn the sharp downturn could undermine enrollment targets and strain revenue forecasts for the fall semester