The number of Nepali students enrolled in U.S. educational institutions has declined noticeably in recent months, according to official data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
SEVIS figures show that the total number of active Nepali students in the United States fell from 35,273 in October 2025 to 34,452 in December 2025, and further to 33,735 by January 2026—a drop of 1,538 students in just three months. Compared to December alone, the number fell by 717 within a month.
In April last year, there were 32,070 Nepali students recorded in SEVIS, but by August, that number had dropped to 30,019 after more than 2,000 records were canceled or terminated.
By gender, male students decreased from 19,193 in December to 18,902 in January, while female students declined from 15,259 to 14,833 during the same period. Despite the overall drop, graduate-level enrollment increased slightly. The number of Nepali students pursuing master’s degrees rose from 9,845 to 9,919, and those in doctoral programs increased from 4,240 to 4,335.
Undergraduate enrollment fell sharply—bachelor’s students dropped from 12,605 to 11,914, a decrease of 611. The number of Nepali students in associate-level programs also decreased from 7,254 to 7,021. However, language-training enrollees increased from 239 to 276, and flight-school students rose modestly from 51 to 53.
Texas continues to host the highest number of Nepali students, though it too saw a decline—from 7,894 in December to 7,758 in January. Similar decreases occurred in Ohio (from 2,468 to 2,422), New York (2,266 to 2,200), and Missouri (1,580 to 1,467). In January 2026, there were 1,647 Nepali students in Kentucky, 1,200 in California, and 864 in Illinois.
SEVIS, managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, maintains digital records of international students and exchange visitors. When a student’s SEVIS record is terminated, their visa status becomes invalid, making it illegal to remain in the country or continue studies.
Between April and May 2025, a significant number of Nepali students faced SEVIS record cancellations. Immigration lawyers estimate that about 100 students were directly affected by enforcement actions, with some receiving official notices from U.S. embassies and others being informed through their colleges.
Not all record terminations stem from visa cancellations—some result from graduation, program changes, or voluntary withdrawals.
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.
