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Business Standard
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
US F-1 visa interviews just got tougher: What Indian students can do right
The United States has resumed F-1 student visa processing after a brief suspension, but applicants now face stricter scrutiny. A new requirement announced on Thursday by the US State Department mandates foreign students to provide open access to their social media accounts—part of what officials describe as a step towards national security checks. What Indian students should keep in mind when preparing for F-1 visa interviews? Indian education consultants say students need to prepare both practically and mentally, not just for the visa application but also for the interview. 'F-1 visa interviews are a high-stakes but nuanced process, and it's understandable that students feel unsettled when outcomes vary widely. But what we've seen over the years is that success often hinges less on perfect answers and more on whether the student can clearly and confidently articulate their intent, preparation, and long-term plan,' said Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of Leverage Edu. 'Confidence helps but it's not about being bold, it's about being clear. My advice is: aim for coherence over cleverness; the ability to clearly connect your story, course, and career goal often stands out the most,' he said. Recently, an Indian student shared his experience at Delhi embassy in a Reddit post, where three people ahead of him were denied visas, but his was approved. According to his account: • The first candidate, pursuing computer science, failed to name any programming language when asked. • The second detailed family finances—'₹1 crore in savings, ₹5 crore in FDs, plus a ₹1.4 lakh loan'—which may have appeared excessive or rehearsed. • The third, a female applicant, cited the city's weather and lifestyle as her reason for choosing a university, without mentioning the course. His own interview was more straightforward: The officer, an Indian-American, asked for his passport and I-20 form. He was questioned about his BSc and MSc in mathematics and his proposed PhD. Despite a minor fumble, he described his research focus and stated that his programme was fully funded. The officer simply responded, 'Your visa has been approved. Enjoy your stay in the United States.' How to prepare for the F-1 visa interview 'Officers look for students who understand why they are going, what they are studying, and how they are funding it,' said Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education. 'Balance confidence by practising mock interviews and avoiding rehearsed or exaggerated answers. Speak naturally, stick to the point, and always answer truthfully; overexplaining or faking confidence often raises red flags,' he added. On visa denials despite academic excellence or scholarships, Anand said: 'In order to get an F-1 visa, one must fulfil three categories, one of which is showing that you will be returning to your home country after your studies. Other factors include concerning digital footprint, inconsistent or vague career plans, suspicious documents, and rehearsed answers.' Application authenticity matters Piyush Kumar, regional director (South Asia, Canada and Latin America) at IDP Education, pointed to the importance of authenticity. 'A key reason behind the success of applicants is the authenticity of the application and the intent that they are able to communicate to the visa officers. Therefore, students are advised to be honest and clear about their academic background, journey and goals,' Kumar said. 'Consistency and transparency help establish credibility. Applicants must ensure that the visa application forms are filled out accurately and reflect the same information shared during the interview and on their social media platforms,' he added. Kumar also noted that the ability to express ideas fluently matters more than perfect grammar. 'Having a proficient command of the language is pivotal. Being able to articulate thoughts and express goals and choices matters more than using perfect grammar. The visa officers are also gatekeepers of quality, and evaluate candidature based on language proficiency required to effectively live and study in a foreign country,' he said. Top reasons for F-1 visa denial According to Mamta Shekhawat, founder of the most common reasons Indian students face rejection are: Intention to return home: Students must show strong ties to India. Lack of family connections, property, or a clear job path may create suspicion about potential overstay. Poor interview performance: Nervousness or unclear responses about study and career plans can harm chances. Documentation issues: Incomplete or inconsistent documents can lead to denial even if the rest of the application is strong. Country of origin and risk category: Students from regions with high overstay rates may face additional scrutiny. Previous visa history: Past visa refusals or attempts to switch visa types could work against the applicant. Coping with rejection "Receiving an F-1 visa denial, particularly following careful preparation, could be demoralising and disheartening for students. It is not a reflection of your worth or potential; rather, it is a consequence of things outside your control, like increasing rejection rates, location trends, or merely the personal nature of consular interviews," said Shekhawat. She advised students to read denial letters carefully to identify areas of concern such as financial strength, ties to India, or vague career goals. 'Your next step must be to improve on these areas for your future applications. It must express your academic and professional plans in all sincerity,' she said. Anand added, 'Visa denial is not final; you can always reapply. If your visa gets denied in the first attempt, chin up and learn what mistakes led to that and improve that aspect of your application. You can always reach out to professional mentors and educators to seek professional help.'
Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
After edtech crash, study-abroad was the bright spot. Now, it faces testing times
Bengaluru: Samarth G.S., 25, hasn't been to his hometown, in Karnataka, in nearly two years. But not for the usual reasons. Last year, he stayed back in the US to look for an internship. This year, even though he has one, he's hesitating because of tightening visa regulations. 'The situation is dicey here," said Samarth, who is studying for a masters degree. With only a brief window between the end of his internship and the start of the next academic term, he's worried that even a slight delay in returning could put his visa at risk. 'Even if I come back a day late, they might use it as an excuse to cancel my visa," he said, referring to US President's Donald Trump regime. Even when they are travelling within the US, universities are advising international students to carry their passports at all times. Since Trump returned to power, the US' immigration policies have become draconian. On 27 May, the administration ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas. It even halted Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students. Amid all this, several international students have faced deportation for minor infractions. While much of the attention around US visa restrictions has focused on students, the Big Brother approach in the US has made another group, India's study-abroad startups, anxious. Companies such as Leap Scholar, Leverage Edu, AdmitKard and upGrad, which promise smooth overseas admissions and counselling services, are now facing business uncertainty. Because it is not just the US, but key markets such as Canada, the UK, and Australia as well that have tightened rules for international student admissions, according to industry insiders. After the crash of mainstream edtech in India, the study-abroad industry had emerged as a bright spot. But populist politics across the globe threaten to shake the foundations of the business model. Can these startups weather the storm? The business Before 2016, most Indian students seeking to study abroad relied on a highly unorganized network of small, local consultants operating out of single-office setups in Tier I and Tier II cities. About 10 years ago, edtech platforms focused on helping students get admissions abroad started emerging. They include AdmitKard (2016), Leverage Edu (2017), Leap Scholar (2019). Upskilling platform and edtech unicorn upGrad also launched study-abroad services in 2021. These startups offered a range of services, helping students with university applications and counselling to scholarships, visa applications, accommodation and even loans to finance their education. Each operates with a slightly different proposition—while Leap Finance and Leverage Edu are full-service platforms offering end-to-end guidance and admission support to students, AdmitKard is mostly about counselling. upGrad's study-abroad programme focuses on hybrid or online-to-offline programmes in which students study online the first year and travel to the university campus the second year. Over the last few years, India's study-abroad market has been taking big strides, fuelled by a growing appetite for global education and rising disposable incomes. While the market saw a slump during the covid-19 pandemic years, it has bounced back since. According to Bengaluru-based consulting firm Redseer, about 2 million Indian students are projected to opt for overseas education by 2027. This number, according to the firm, stood at 0.7 million in 2019 and 0.9 million in 2022. The sector has also seen significant venture capital infusion during and after the pandemic years, 2023 being the year it attracted the highest funding ever, at about $562 million, according to data sourced from Tracxn. A temporary dip? Even other top markets, such as the UK, Canada and Australia, have tightened their immigrant rules of late. In May, the UK government released a whitepaper that proposed reducing the standard length of the graduate visa for international students to stay on and work in the UK from two years to 18 months, among other changes. Last week, Australia-based IDP Education, one of the world's largest international student placement firms, warned that its full-year revenue and earnings would take a hit due to visa crackdowns in key markets such as Australia and Canada, estimating student placement volumes to drop 28-30% during this financial year. The announcement led to its stock plummeting 50%, it's worst single-day drop ever, Canadian study-abroad startup ApplyBoard laid off about 150 employees last week due to policy changes at major study destinations. Last November, Canada ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme, which expedited the processing of study permit applications for international students. India's edtech exporters, most of whom rely heavily on the US and UK, are now bracing for the impact of ongoing uncertainty. Industry experts acknowledge that a dip is likely if the situation persists, though they are cautiously optimistic that the downturn will be temporary. 'In our study-abroad business, about 70% of visa appointments were already taken care of. So, those haven't been affected. But 30% is halted because the visa appointments are on hold," Praneet Singh, associate vice president of university partnerships at upGrad Abroad, told Mint. A million students enter the US to study every year, so it impacts the country's economy as well, Singh noted. 'That gives me conviction that it's not going to last. It's going to be a couple of weeks or maybe a month or two. But it will eventually get lifted." Piyush Bhartiya, co-founder of study-abroad counselling startup AdmitKard, said there is a lot of uncertainty among students planning to go to the US. If their September intake is blocked and interviews don't open, then US sentiment will go from unsure to negative, he said. With all the key markets correcting at the same time, there will be some downturn, Bhartiya noted. 'The US issued about 80,000 visas last year from India. Now, if that 80,000 falls to 40,000, we don't know how many markets or how many countries it will take to absorb that other 40,000," said Bhartiya. Leap Finance, one of the larger startups in India's study abroad ecosystem, has refrained from commenting on the subject altogether. With market conditions in flux, investors are closely watching the sector, particularly how these businesses respond and pivot to sustain growth. While recent policy uncertainties in traditional destinations such as the US and UK have sparked some investor caution, the demand for overseas education remains structurally strong, according to Surabhi Sanyukta, vice president–Investments, BlackSoil, an investor in study-abroad platform Leverage Edu. 'The sector has seen consistent double-digit year-on-year growth over the past few years, and this demand is not diminishing; it is simply becoming more geographically distributed," she said. 'One of the key challenges the sector faces is its historical reliance on a few dominant geographies. Policy shifts, changing visa regimes, and economic volatility in these markets can significantly impact student flows. Startups that scaled primarily on the back of US or UK-bound student demand are now having to recalibrate their strategies," Sanyukta added. Expanding horizons The uncertainty around immigrant laws in various geographies has had a clear impact. Enrolments have gone down by 27% in top destination markets such as the US, the UK and Canada. This decline has affected study-abroad platforms as well, but sparked interest in other destinations. 'If we were getting about 6,000 closed leads in February for Germany, we're now getting about 9,500 leads a month for that country, which makes for 35% of our business. France has gone from 3% of our business to 8% of our total business at the moment. Finland has also gone from 3% to 6% of our business," said upGrad's Singh. The two really big winners have been Germany and Ireland, which have traditionally seen a smaller intake from India, said AdmitKard's Bhartiya. 'On our platform, we have seen almost five times more inquiries for Germany in the last two years. France and some of the Nordic countries are also gaining interest very rapidly," he said. AdmitKard is now focusing on getting accreditations in other countries as the non-US market sees a spike in interest. 'We are a very strong recruiter for the US market so we had focused on US accreditation. Now, we are focusing on other countries as well, and onboarding partners in countries like Japan, Finland, and Sweden," Bhartiya said. Many prominent schools in the US and UK are setting up offshore campuses in locations such as Dubai and Singapore. Study abroad platforms are now turning to these newer markets, capturing already existing demand and creating new demand. In the last six months, upGrad has focused on finding partners in Dubai. 'We've got Middlesex University, University of Birmingham, among others. We've just signed up with four schools in the UAE. The company is also trying to double down on Finland and expand to Singapore," Singh said, noting that India will also see a lot of campuses being set up. New Delhi-based Leverage Edu has also seen a sea-change in its student composition over the past 12 months. The company, which relied on India for 100% of its customers, is now seeing 40-45% of students coming from non-India regions—of that, 25% is from Africa, 15% is the rest of South Asia (Nepal, Bangladesh), with the rest from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of the edtech startup, told Mint. Chaturvedi added that the UK used to be a dominant study location for the company till about two years back. The country still accounts for 50-60% of the business today, but the remaining 40-50% is mostly from the rest of Europe, particularly Germany, he said. The way forward Aside from admissions, most study-abroad platforms make money from test-prep, counselling, documentation, and application fees. These services have stable demand despite the shifts in study markets. For instance, 25% of Leverage Edu's business comes from services such as forex and loans, among other ancillaries. Last quarter, the company also launched a job portal, Leverage which the CEO believes will push the income from these non-core services up further. Value-added services contribute about 10% to Leap's revenue, with the majority coming from counseling and financing. upGrad's study-abroad vertical also offers International English Language Testing System (IELTS) prep programmes aside from online-to-offline learning, its core business. Ashish Bhatia, founder & CEO at India Accelerator, which has invested in edtech companies such as Imarticus Learning, Ingenium and Dhurina, noted that offering various services gives these startups the flexibility to adapt to the changing circumstances. 'Startups that proactively expand their offerings and limit their reliance on the US markets are most likely to come out of this situation unaffected," Bhatia said. As things stand, however, nobody knows when the situation will improve. Startups that pivot to accommodate the changing reality will be better placed to weather the storm.
India Today
11-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Indian students are picking Dubai for affordable, career-focused higher education
In recent years, Dubai has witnessed a remarkable surge in interest amongst Indian students seeking international education, establishing itself as a compelling alternative to traditional study destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and to Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO of Leverage Edu, "We've definitely noticed a clear uptick in interest around Dubai during our student consultations. It checks all the right boxes - globally ranked universities, proximity to India, strong safety standards, and a lifestyle that strikes the perfect balance between global exposure and cultural familiarity."advertisementWHY DUBAI IS GAINING TRACTIONSeveral factors contribute to Dubai's rising popularity amongst Indian students:Globally recognised universities with affordable tuition: Institutions such as Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, and the University of Birmingham Dubai offer globally relevant curricula at a fraction of the cost compared to their UK or US safety and support systems: Dubai scores high on student support, including merit-based scholarships, guaranteed first-year accommodation, fast-tracked visa processes, and structured career services that facilitate internships and job placements, making it a well-rounded ecosystem for international location and cultural familiarity: Its geographical proximity to India and a multicultural environment provide students with a comfortable yet globally enriching COURSES AND INVESTMENT AREASDubai is heavily investing in talent and infrastructure in key sectors, which align with students' career aspirations:Business and Hospitality Management: Dubai's booming corporate and tourism sectors drive demand for business administration and hospitality programs. For instance, the American University in Dubai offers hospitality management courses with internships at prestigious hotels like Burj Al Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Emerging Technologies: With the global rise of STEM and technology-driven fields, Dubai universities are focusing on AI, computer science, and engineering programs to meet industry needs[Expert Input].Interdisciplinary and Specialised Programmes: Reflecting global trends, students are increasingly interested in niche fields like AI and Ethics, Sustainable Architecture, and Biomedical Engineering, which Dubai universities are beginning to GLOBAL STUDY ABROAD TRENDS IMPACTING DUBAI 'S APPEAL The global landscape of study abroad is evolving rapidly, with several trends influencing student choices in 2025:Shift towards affordable and outcome-oriented destinations: While the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Ireland remain top choices, students and families are increasingly exploring alternatives that offer quality education, post-study work opportunities, and affordability. Dubai fits well within this paradigm due to its competitive costs and strong job demand for STEM and career-focused programmes: Indian students, in particular, are gravitating towards STEM fields such as AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Business Analytics, seeking programs that enhance employability and salary student support and mental health services: Universities worldwide are prioritising student well-being, offering counselling and stress management, which is also reflected in Dubai's student services of advanced technologies in education: The integration of AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) in learning environments is becoming mainstream, with Dubai universities adopting such innovations to provide immersive education and strategic planning: Families are beginning the admission process earlier, with students engaging in foundation courses and mentorship programs to build strong profiles for competitive 'S LEADING UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR OFFERINGSDubai hosts a diverse range of universities catering to international students:University of Birmingham Dubai: Known for UK-standard education and research-driven University Dubai: Renowned for the engineering and energy University Dubai: Offers business, law, and IT programs tailored for global of Dubai: Focusses on business administration, management, finance, and IT, addressing workforce skill University in Dubai (BUiD): A postgraduate research university partnering with leading UK institutions, offering specialized programs in business, IT management, architecture, and of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD): Provides diverse undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, engineering, and humanities, with scholarships and language AND CAREER SUPPORTOne of Dubai's key attractions is the support system for international students. Merit-based scholarships, accommodation guarantees, and expedited visa procedures ease the transition for students and their families. Career services are well-structured, offering internships and job placement assistance that enhance students' employability in Dubai's dynamic job is fast becoming a preferred destination for Indian students seeking quality education combined with affordability, safety, and career opportunities. Its universities' focus on globally relevant curricula, investment in emerging sectors like AI and hospitality, and comprehensive student support systems make them an attractive alternative to traditional Western study global study abroad trends continue to evolve towards specialised, skill-based education and student well-being, Dubai's strategic positioning and offerings align perfectly with the aspirations of today's international Reel
NDTV
03-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
What Can International Students Do To Adapt To Pause On Student Visas
We're seeing a sharper focus on strategic planning: choosing intakes with better visa processing timelines, diversifying destination options, and pre-aligning career goals with immigration frameworks. It's no longer just about studying abroad; it's about where you'll grow professionally and personally over the next 10 years. NDTV's Ambika Singh speaks to Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO of Leverage Edu, about recent changes in the F-1 visa application process, new restrictions, and the latest trends in US university admissions for international students, including trends in STEM courses. Here is the full interview: Have there been recent changes in the F-1 visa application process or approval rates for Indian students? There's been increased scrutiny, but not systemic denial. Approval rates have dipped slightly, especially in Tier 2/3 cities. Students who articulate their intent well and show career alignment are still seeing success. It's a signal for deeper prep, not deterrence. Are there new restrictions or regulations affecting post-graduation work opportunities under OPT and H-1B pathways? There's more noise than change. The core OPT framework remains intact, but the ecosystem around it is being recalibrated. Expect tighter compliance, not closures. H-1B is seeing reform debates too, but Indian talent continues to drive value, and policy will eventually reflect that. How are US universities adapting to visa policy changes to support international students? Universities are stepping up with faster I-20 issuance, more transparent communication, and expanded career services. International students are critical to their sustainability now, especially amidst budget cuts. Expect more targeted outreach and support systems going forward. How do F-1 visa changes compare to other visa regulations? The US still offers a powerful mix of academic excellence and work pathways, but countries like Germany, Ireland, and the UAE are gaining edge with friendlier, more predictable policies. Students are actively taking immigration frameworks into consideration while planning for the long-term. What are the latest trends in US university admissions for international students? Data science, AI, engineering management, and public health programs are seeing a marked rise in interest, driven by their alignment with global workforce trends. These fields offer students the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, with relevance and impact playing as critical a role as employability in shaping their appeal. How competitive is the application process compared to previous years? The bar is higher but so is the access to information. Students today are more prepared, more strategic, and better guided. What we're witnessing is not competition fatigue, but clarity in ambition. What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for Indian applicants in 2025? Universities are increasing aid for qualified international students to keep their cohorts diverse. From STEM-focused merit scholarships to fully funded PhD offers, the window is widening. Students must take initiative early, plan ahead, and craft applications that speak directly to each opportunity. Are there alternative pathways to studying in the US, such as community colleges or transfer programmes? Absolutely. Community colleges and 2+2 pathways are gaining real traction, especially for those seeking affordability without compromising on eventual university brand. Are STEM courses still the most preferred for Indian students, or are new trends emerging? STEM dominates, but new verticals like AI ethics, climate tech, digital health, and design-led entrepreneurship are rising. Students are not falling for what's hot, they're carefully choosing what aligns best with their future. How does Leverage Edu assist applicants in navigating these challenges and optimizing admission chances? At Leverage Edu, we operate as a full-stack lifecycle partner: from discovery to visa, accommodation to careers. Our AI tools and mentorship network empower students to make data-backed, purpose-driven decisions. In a complex global environment, clarity is the real currency and we help unlock that.
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Immigrants Built America, Can Build Another": CEO Slams Trump Over Harvard Ban On Foreign Students
US President Donald Trump has halted Harvard University's ability to enrol international students, targeting a key funding source for the nation's oldest and wealthiest college. This marks a major escalation in the administration's efforts to pressure the elite institution to align with the president's agenda. The decision has sparked widespread criticism, both domestically and internationally. On one hand, China has labelled it a "politicisation" of educational exchanges. On the other hand, many business leaders and corporate figures argue that the move could harm the country's own growth and global competitiveness. Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO of Leverage Edu, has recently tweeted about this ban, and it has gone massively viral. He said through his posts that Harvard news may impact US talent attractiveness, financing markets, and university endowments, benefiting other countries meanwhile. "It's going to have an impact on the US's attractiveness as a talent magnet. How deep that hole gets is anybody's guess right now. Third, given so much of our institutional finance flows from Harvard, Yale and the like (their $50B, $30B and so on endowment's), this is very likely to have a trickle-down effect on the financing market - the PEs, the VCs, even RE; at some stage every endowment will have to do a mark-to-market, and that won't look pretty," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Woke up to the Harvard news. Firstly, wow. Second, of course it's going to have an impact on US's attractiveness as a talent magnet. How deep that hole gets, is anybody's guess right now. Third, given so much of our institutional finance flows from Harvard, Yale and the likes… — Akshay Chaturvedi (@Akshay001) May 23, 2025 "The entire world is watching, eyes wide open; I am typing this an hour away from a meeting with a French cabinet person, and he sent me a link to a related article with "Yay"... they/other selected European nations/Middle East ARE GOING TO LAP UP this access to international students, aka high-quality talent," he further mentioned. "The macros don't lie. The need for international students, for talent, is only going to go up. The need for universities to have them to show a back-to-stability balance sheet is going to be all too apparent. So just stand by and give it time." Highlighting the importance of the immigrants in the developed economies, he wrote in a separate post that "immigrants have built the US. They are capable of building other countries too."
