Fact Check: "US consulates in India issued over 140,000 F-1 student visas in 2023."
What We Know
The claim that US consulates in India issued over 140,000 F-1 student visas in 2023 is based on data from various sources. The U.S. Mission to India reported a significant increase in the number of student visas issued, stating that they issued more student visas in 2023 than in the combined total of 2018, 2019, and 2020. This reflects a strong demand for U.S. education among Indian students (U.S. Mission to India Continues to Break Records in 2024).
However, the specific number of F-1 visas issued in 2023 is not explicitly detailed in the available statistics. The Monthly Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance Statistics provide a broader overview of nonimmigrant visas but do not break down the figures specifically for F-1 visas in 2023 (Monthly Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance Statistics).
In 2024, the U.S. Mission to India indicated that Indian students became the largest group of international students in the United States, with over 331,000 students overall, but this data pertains to 2024 and does not confirm the exact number of F-1 visas issued in 2023 (U.S. Mission to India Continues to Break Records in 2024).
Analysis
The evidence suggests that there was indeed a substantial increase in the issuance of student visas, including F-1 visas, by U.S. consulates in India. The claim of over 140,000 F-1 visas issued in 2023 is plausible given the context of rising demand for U.S. education among Indian students. The U.S. Mission's reports highlight a commitment to facilitating student travel and education (U.S. Mission to India Meets Skyrocketing Student Visa Demand).
However, the lack of specific figures from the Monthly Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance Statistics and the absence of a clear confirmation of the 140,000 F-1 visa figure means that while the claim is likely based on trends and reported increases, it cannot be definitively verified with the current data. The sources used are credible, including official statements from the U.S. government and the U.S. Mission to India, which are reliable for understanding visa issuance trends.
Conclusion
The claim that "US consulates in India issued over 140,000 F-1 student visas in 2023" is Partially True. While there is strong evidence indicating a significant increase in student visa issuances, the specific figure of 140,000 F-1 visas lacks direct confirmation from the available statistics. The overall trend supports the idea of increased F-1 visa issuances, but without precise data, the claim remains unverifiable.
