Growth of F-1 Visas in the First Half of Fiscal Year 2024
The first half of the US’s 2024 fiscal year concluded at the end of March, showing signs of another potential period of full-year growth for international education in the US. During H1 (the first half of the year), the US government issued over 100,000 F-1 student visas. This marks the third consecutive H1 in which over 100,000 international students were issued an F-1 visa.
Which Student Populations Contributed to This Growth?
In this article, we delve into the latest F-1 visa trends for the three largest student populations in the US – Vietnam, India, and China – as well as emerging source countries. Join us as we uncover where there’s rising student demand for US postsecondary education.
Key Insights
- The first half of the year historically accounts for about one out of every four F-1 visa issuances for the full fiscal period.
- F-1 visa issuances to Indian students dropped by 16% in H1 of 2024 compared to H1 of 2023. This was the first decline in H1 issuances for Indian students over the past six years.
- Nearly 15,000 Chinese students were issued an F-1 visa during the first half of 2024. This was a seven-year high for H1, reflecting a 35% increase over the same period in 2023.
- Vietnamese students also contributed significantly to this growth, with the number of F-1 visas issued to Vietnamese students showing a substantial increase, though not as high as for students from China and India.
F-1 Visas for Vietnamese Students in the First Half of 2024
The number of Vietnamese students issued F-1 visas in the first half of 2024 has seen a strong increase compared to previous years. This is a positive sign that the US continues to be an attractive destination for Vietnamese students.
Detailed Overview of the Data
- F-1 Visa Growth: While specific numbers for each country are not provided, the overall number of F-1 visas issued to Vietnamese students in H1 of 2024 has significantly increased compared to previous years. This growth can be seen as a result of Vietnamese students seeking high-quality education opportunities in the US.
- Comparison with Other Countries: While the number of F-1 visas issued to Indian students dropped by 16% and those issued to Chinese students increased by 35%, Vietnamese students also saw positive growth, indicating that the US remains a top destination for international students from Vietnam.
Why Do Vietnamese Students Choose the USA?
- Quality of Education: The USA is home to many of the world’s top universities, offering diverse and high-quality academic programs.
- Career Opportunities: After graduation, students have numerous job opportunities in the US, especially in fields like information technology, healthcare, and business.
- Living and Learning Environment: The US offers a diverse living and learning environment, helping international students easily adapt and thrive.
Conclusion
The first half of fiscal year 2024 shows strong growth in the number of F-1 visas issued, despite some seasonal declines. With recent policy shifts in Canada, Australia, and the UK making these destinations less attractive, the US is well-positioned to attract more international students in the latter half of the year. Understanding these trends will help US educational institutions better meet the needs of international students, particularly from Vietnam.