While the number of students from countries such as India, China, and Nigeria declined in the U.S. in October compared to September, the number of students from countries like Brazil and Nepal increased. According to SEVIS data from the Department of Homeland Security, Brazilian students recorded the highest numerical increase in the U.S. in October, with Nepali students ranking second.
The data shows that the number of active SEVIS records for Nepali students in the U.S. was 34,807 in September, increasing by 466 to 35,273 in October. This total includes 19,658 male and 15,615 female students. They are enrolled in various programs: 7,284 in associate degrees, 13,021 in bachelor’s degrees, 4,286 in doctoral programs, 58 in flight school, 312 in language training, and 10,086 in master’s degrees.
Compared to September, the number of Nepali students pursuing associate degrees saw a significant increase in October, rising by 448 from 6,836 to 7,284. The number of students studying for bachelor’s degrees also increased by 339, from 12,682 in September. However, the number of Nepali doctoral students declined, dropping from 4,336 in September to 4,286 in October. Enrollment in flight school and language training also decreased.
The number of Nepali students pursuing master’s degrees fell slightly in October compared to September, decreasing from 10,331 to 10,086. Although data shows that nearly 20% of international students traveled to the U.S. in August, the number of Nepali students increased significantly in September compared to August. Active SEVIS records for Nepali students rose from 30,019 in August to 34,807 in September.
In addition to Nepal, the number of Brazilian students increased by 521 in October compared to September. In contrast, Chinese student numbers decreased by 1,535, and Indian student numbers dropped by 17,613. Similarly, the number of students from Iran, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia also declined in October compared to September.
Approximately one in three international students in the U.S. is from India. The number of Indian students arriving in the U.S. has been decreasing since last year. Although this number increased in September compared to August, it declined in October compared to September.
Despite the number of Nepali visitors, including students, arriving in the United States in August being the highest of the current year (2025), it still marked a $37% decline compared to August of last year (2024).
The monthly visitor numbers for the current year (2025) are as follows: July (3,846), June (3,151), May (3,873), April (2,553), March (2,480), February (1,873), and January (4,051). Compared to the same months last year (2024), the number of Nepali visitors has seen a consistent monthly drop ranging from 11% to 37% between January and August. This downward trend appears to have started in December 2024.
For several months starting in April 2021, the number of Nepali visitors to the U.S. showed growth when compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. This growth trend continued until August 2024. While the numbers for the following three months were roughly similar to the previous year, the decline began in December.
The Department of Commerce data classifies as “visitors” those who stay in the U.S. for more than one night and fall under specific visa categories. The count is determined based on the number of I-94 arrival/departure records issued. As a result, this data does not distinguish between first-time entrants and those who are returning after a trip outside the U.S. The count generally includes travelers on B-category (visitor) visas, F and M-category (student) visas, I-category (media) visas, and E-category visas. Non-immigrant visa categories for temporary work are not included in this figure, and it covers arrivals through all types of transportation and all ports of entry.
The month of August traditionally sees a higher number of Nepali visitors to the U.S. compared to other months. In August 2024, 9,339 Nepali visitors arrived, which was the highest monthly figure not only for that year but also for any month in history. Similarly, in August 2023, there were 6,010 Nepali visitors, and in August 2022, there were 4,937, with both months being the high points for their respective years.
The total number of Nepali visitors entering the U.S. in 2024 (January to December) was 48,525, which was the highest annual count to date. In the first eight months of the current year (2025), the total stands at 27,706. For context, the annual totals for previous years were: 42,472 in 2023, 30,116 in 2022, 18,436 in 2021, and 8,134 in 2020 (a sharp drop attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic).
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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.
