US Corrects Data Error After 200,000 International Students Overlooked
2 Min Read
The United States has admitted to a significant federal data error that undercounted over 200,000 international students in 2024, sparking confusion over declining enrolment figures.
The mistake, originating from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), had previously suggested an 11% drop in international student numbers between March 2024 and March 2025. However, revised data released by the Department of Homeland Security on 4 July paints a different picture: international student enrolments in the US actually rose by 6.5% from September 2023 to September 2024, reaching a record high of nearly 1.3 million.
The discrepancy was first highlighted by Boston College professor Chris Glass, whose analysis revealed that the flawed September 2024 data was short by over 200,000 students.
Notably, the updated figures show continued growth in the number of Indian students, with India now sending 143,000 more students to the US than China—further widening the gap since India overtook China as the top source country in 2023.
However, the figures include students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), a post-graduation work programme. The inclusion of OPT in enrolment statistics has been criticised by experts who argue it distorts the actual picture. “OPT participants are not students anymore—they’re employees,” noted Eddie West from California State University, Fresno.
Despite the growth revealed by the corrected data, stakeholders remain wary. The US has already witnessed a 22% drop in F-1 visa issuances this May compared to last year, largely due to tighter immigration policies under the Trump administration. A month-long pause in visa interviews, increased social media screening, and proposed visa time limits have compounded anxieties among prospective students.
According to recent surveys, 73% of US institutions anticipate a decline in international student numbers this autumn, with experts predicting a 7–11% drop in enrolments for the upcoming semester.
Whether the US can sustain growth in its international education sector will depend heavily on its future visa policies and global perception.
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