The number of active international students in the United States declined for the third consecutive month this spring, according to new data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which shows a steady drop from February through May 2026.
SEVIS data reviewed by NepYork show the total number of active F-1 and M-1 international students fell from 1,234,288 in February to 1,217,585 in March, 1,204,495 in April, and 1,188,918 in May. The figures represent a decline of 45,370 students over the three-month period, a decrease of about 3.7%.
The sharpest monthly drop occurred between February and March, when the number of active students fell by 16,703, or 1.35%. The total then declined by 13,090 students, or 1.08%, between March and April, followed by a further decrease of 15,577 students, or 1.29%, between April and May.
The data indicate that the U.S. international student population has been shrinking consistently during the first half of 2026. SEVIS, managed by the Department of Homeland Security, tracks international students and exchange visitors in the United States under F, M and J visa programs. The latest data cover active F-1 and M-1 students by country of citizenship.
China and India — the two largest source countries — recorded the biggest declines in absolute numbers, with China down 14,295 students and India down 8,778 over the three-month period.
China remained the largest source country, although its numbers declined each month, from 235,322 in February to 229,463 in March, 226,333 in April, and 221,027 in May. India, the second-largest source country, also saw steady declines, from 352,644 in February to 350,237 in March, 346,520 in April, and 343,866 in May.
Other major source countries showed similar trends. South Korea declined from 42,951 in February to 42,160 in March, 41,681 in April, and 41,060 in May. Vietnam dropped from 34,199 in February to 34,016 in March, 33,667 in April, and 33,176 in May. Saudi Arabia fell from 11,114 in February to 10,668 in March, 10,540 in April, and 10,359 in May.
The number of Nepali students studying in the United States also declined. According to SEVIS data, the number of active Nepali students fell by 487 over a three-month period.
The total stood at 34,853 in March before declining to 34,680 in April and further to 34,366 in May. The population dropped by 314 students between April and May alone. Currently, 281 Nepali students are enrolled in English language programs in the United States.
Texas remains the top destination for Nepali students by a wide margin. SEVIS data show that 8,208 Nepali students were studying in Texas in May, down from 8,310 in April. Ohio ranked second with 2,400 students in May, compared with 2,420 in April, followed by New York with 2,336 students, down from 2,341.
Most Nepali students in the United States are pursuing higher education degrees. In May, 12,004 students were enrolled in bachelor’s programs, down from 12,117 in April. Another 9,747 were in master’s programs, compared with 9,832 in April. Additionally, 7,746 students were pursuing associate degrees, down from 7,825, while 4,272 were enrolled in doctoral programs, compared with 4,273 in April.
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.
