F-1 Student Visas Rise to Pre-Pandemic Numbers after a Decrease in Past Years
Monica Zafra • November 3, 2023
According to the U.S. State Department, there has been a steady increase of F-1 visas issued for foreign students within the past year. In Fiscal Year 2022, 411,000 F-1 visas were issued, rising from the 358,000 F-1 visas issued in the 2021 Fiscal Year. These numbers have shown that F-1 student visas have recovered to pre-pandemic numbers. In 2020, only 111,000 F-1 student visas were issued due to pandemic uncertainty, border restrictions, embassy closures, and other barriers for students to study in the United States.
The government expects these numbers to continue to rise even with rising rejection rates of F-1 applicants. In 2022, the U.S. State Department rejected 35% of all F-1 applicants in 2022, an increase from previous years. In addition, in May 2023, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement terminated COVID-era guidance allowing F and M students to utilize more online classes toward a full course of study.
The increasing F-1 student visas are a good sign for American employers because these individuals seek to study in the United States due to American excellence in wages, opportunity, diversity, and the encouragement of highly skilled workers. By assimilating in the United States through their education, they will be prepared to contribute to the United States workforce.
For those who are interested in applying for the F-1 student visa, please contact our office for consultation and further information.
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.
Monica Zafra
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