US colleges and universities are witnessing a substantial rise in deferrals by admitted international students, as visa-related complications mount. Many institutions have responded to growing delays and rejections by offering flexible enrollment options, allowing students to postpone their start date to the following semester—or even the next academic year—without forfeiting their admission.
According to a survey conducted by the International Educational Exchange in partnership with ten higher-education associations, a staggering 96 percent of US institutions identified visa delays and denials as the primary reason behind dips in new international enrolments. Travel restrictions were cited by 68 percent of colleges as a secondary factor.
In response, colleges are increasingly extending deferral windows. About 72 percent of surveyed institutions are permitting deferrals until spring 2026, while 56 percent allow students to defer as far ahead as fall 2026. This marks a year-on-year increase: report authors note that deferrals have jumped by roughly 39 percent compared to the previous year.
Institutions are also broadening other forms of flexibility. Around 37 percent are offering admitted students the option to begin their coursework online, or to delay the start of the fall semester to accommodate visa problems.
These developments coincide with a marked drop in new international student enrollments. Data collected from 825 US colleges and universities by the Institute of International Education (IIE) reveals a 17 percent decline in first-time international students this autumn. While overall international student numbers dipped by just 1 percent—thanks in part to students who remained in the US for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation—the steep fall in new entrants remains a serious concern.
The visa issues are tied to increasingly stringent policies introduced during the Trump administration. These include stricter screening, a requirement for visa applicants to make their social media accounts public, and longer wait times for interviews. Some existing student visas have also been revoked, raising alarm among students and educators alike.
The decline in international students is set to have serious economic consequences for US higher education. Many international students pay full tuition, making them a critical revenue source for universities grappling with budget constraints and declining domestic enrolment. Among the hardest hit are Indian students, who represent one of the largest groups of foreign enrollees. Several institutions have reported steep declines from this cohort.
If visa bottlenecks persist, US colleges may face long-term ramifications. Enrollment uncertainties and revenue losses could deepen, especially as more students contemplate deferral or even alternative destinations for higher education. The shift underscores how critical immigration policy has become to the financial health and global appeal of American universities.
