The number of F-1 student visa approvals for Nepali students reached an all-time high in February, despite the Trump administration’s strict policies. According to data from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, 802 Nepali students were granted F-1 visas in February. This figure surpassed all previous months in the current fiscal year and established a new benchmark.
This number represents a significant increase from January 2025, when 750 Nepali students received F-1 visas, and dwarfs the figures from earlier months: 616 in December 2024, 167 in November 2024, and 712 in October 2024. Over the past four months, a total of 2,297 Nepali students have secured F-1 visas.
The record-breaking visa approvals in February 2025 are particularly striking given the Trump administration’s tightened immigration policies, which have been widely regarded as making the visa process more complex and restrictive. The administration’s focus on rigorous vetting, increased scrutiny of applications, and heightened enforcement of immigration laws has raised concerns among international students globally.
In fiscal year 2024, 13,187 Nepali students were granted F-1 visas, more than double the number from fiscal year 2023.
According to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) report, 16,933 Nepali students are currently enrolled in U.S. educational institutions, comprising 10,430 male and 6,503 female students. While this number is lower than the 20,153 recorded in January 2024, it reflects a rebound from earlier fluctuations, with enrollment peaking at 23,435 in March 2024.
However, recent reports of widespread visa revocations have sparked concern among Nepali students in the U.S. Immigration lawyers estimate that at least 100 Nepali students have had their F-1 visas revoked and SEVIS records terminated, often without prior notice or clear justification.
The U.S. Department of State has cited Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which grants the Secretary of State or consular officers discretionary authority to revoke visas at any time. Grounds for revocation include ineligibility, inadmissibility, fraud, misrepresentation, criminal activity, security concerns, or violations of visa conditions, such as minor infractions like traffic violations or unauthorized campus activism.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State emphasized that visa reviews include thorough checks of criminal records.
These actions have fueled anxiety among Nepali students, many of whom fear abrupt disruptions to their education and future career plans. The lack of transparency in the revocation process, coupled with the absence of opportunities for students to respond to allegations, has drawn criticism from immigration advocates and legal experts.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
