Over 7,000 Indian students overstayed their US visas in 2023, immigration expert calls for action

Immigration expert Jessica M. Vaughan disclosed that more than 7,000 Indian students and exchange travelers overstayed their visas in the United States in 2023 during a recent hearing before the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary. The Center for Immigration Studies’ Vaughan urged Congress to take serious changes to the nation’s immigration laws into account, especially about the H-1B visa program.

The F and M visa categories have the highest overstay rates of any of the broad categories of temporary admission. Thirty-two countries have student/exchange visitor overstay rates that are higher than 20 percent. Four countries (Brazil, China, Colombia and India) had more than 2,000 of their citizens overstay student/exchange visas in 2023, with India having the highest number (7,000).

Vaughan testified that more than 2,000 citizens of Brazil, China, Colombia, and India were overstaying their student and exchange visas, with India having the highest number at 7,000. She noted that overstay rates are higher than 20 percent in 32 nations.

Vaughan pointed out that among temporary entry categories, the F and M visa categories—which permit international students to study in the United States—have the greatest overstay rates. The M-1 visa is intended for non-academic and vocational programs, whereas the F-1 visa allows entry for full-time students at recognized universities.

Vaughan suggested revising visa issuance policies to enhance interior enforcement and guarantee that student visa applicants intend to return to their home countries post-study.

Vaughan proposed limiting H-1B visas for specialty occupations to two-year terms, with extensions under specific circumstances, and limiting annual H-1B visas to 75,000, prioritizing higher-skilled workers.

Vaughan advocated for a reform of visa programs to improve American workers’ opportunities, prohibiting foreign visa sponsorships to prevent exploitative practices.

Based on data released by the Ministry of External Affairs, Canada is the largest host nation with 427,000 Indian students, followed by the United States (337,630), the United Kingdom (185,000), Australia (122,202), and Germany (42,997).