Visa Delays Disrupt International Student Enrollment in UK, US

A recent survey by INTO highlights significant disruptions faced by international students due to visa processing delays when enrolling in UK and US universities. Among 2,261 respondents, 21% cited visa appointment and processing issues as the primary reason for postponing their university placement, with South Asian students particularly affected at 28%. The delays also impacted orientation attendance, as 45% of students who missed orientation blamed late visa approvals. INTO's CEO, John Sykes, emphasized the need for governments and educational institutions to collaborate in addressing these challenges to support international student mobility effectively. The survey also noted that competition for students is increasing, with many considering alternatives to traditional study destinations like the UK and US. As visa regulations tighten, these issues are projected to persist into 2025, necessitating a more efficient visa system.