The Government of India has formally raised concerns with the United States over significant delays in issuing student visas, following the implementation of expanded screening and vetting procedures by US authorities. This development comes as thousands of Indian students prepare to begin their academic sessions at American universities.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had received numerous representations from students and their families citing difficulties in securing visa appointments. In response, the MEA has engaged both the US Embassy in New Delhi and the US Department of State in Washington to address the issue.

“Following these developments, the Ministry of External Affairs has received several representations from Indian students and their families flagging difficulty in obtaining student visa appointments,” Singh said in a written statement. “The Ministry took up the matter with the US Embassy in New Delhi as well as the US Department of State.”

Acknowledging that visa issuance remains the sovereign prerogative of each nation, Singh noted that India has “consistently raised” challenges faced by its citizens, particularly students, and remains committed to working with the US to establish frameworks that ensure secure and efficient legal mobility.

The delays follow a June 18, 2025, press release by the US Department of State, announcing broader screening protocols for visa applicants. The new measures include enhanced background checks and increased scrutiny of applicants’ social media presence for F, M, and J visa categories—typically used by international students.

According to Singh, the US has encouraged visa applicants to keep their social media accounts public, allowing officials to assess digital activity as part of the visa adjudication process. This move has triggered apprehensions among Indian students, many of whom fear delays or denials based on online content.

Indian nationals represent the largest group of international students in the US, contributing significantly to both academic institutions and the broader American economy. A bipartisan group of 14 US lawmakers, including three Indian-American members of Congress, recently urged the State Department to address the delays. Led by Congresswoman Deborah Ross, the group emphasized that Indian students contribute over $9 billion annually to the US economy and play a pivotal role in academic research and innovation.

Separately, the Indian government reiterated its cooperation with US agencies to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking. Singh stated that the MEA continues to issue regular advisories through its eMigrate portal, warning job seekers about fraudulent agents and employment scams. As of June 2025, over 3,500 illegal agents have been identified and flagged on the portal, with legal action being pursued against offenders.