Indian students in US increase by 12% in 2021 despite COVID-19

The number of Indian students in the US rose by over 12% in 2021 despite the pandemic, stated the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in its annual report. 

While the number of international students from China continued to be the largest, it decreased by more than 8% in 2021, reported the government agency. 

“The number of students from China and India made Asia the most popular continent of origin. However, China sent fewer students in 2021 in comparison to 2020 (-33,569) while India sent more students (+25,391),” the report said.

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Interestingly, 47% of active SEVIS (Students and Exchange Visitor Information System) records were from China and India in 2021, the same as 2020. 

However, the overall SEVIS records for active F-1 and M-1 student visas (non-immigrant student visas) decreased by 1.2% in 2021 compared to 2020. 

The report stated that only Asia and Australia/Pacific Islands witnessed a decline in international students coming to the US. Other continents recorded an increase in international students in the US in 2021. 

There was also a decline in international students from other Asian countries such as Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Japan. 

According to the report, Asia contributed 71.9% of all international students in the US in 2021. 

Top 10 countries with the most number of international students in the US in 2021 were: 

1. China: 348,992 students 

2. India: 232,851 students

3. South Korea: 58,787 students 

4. Canada: 37,453 students 

5. Brazil: 33,552 students 

6. Vietnam: 29,597 students 

7. Saudi Arabia: 28,600 students 

8. Taiwan: 25,406 students 

9. Japan: 20,144 students 

10. Mexico: 19,680 students