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US leaders urge action as delays threaten fall enrolments
['Polly Nash', 'Polly Graduated With A Degree In History', 'English Literature The University Of Edinburgh During Which She Did A Year Abroad In Sunny Santa Barbara. She Went On To Study International Journalism At City', 'University Of London. At The Pie', 'Polly Reports On All Things International Higher Education With A Focus On The Us']
The PIE News
“Peak visa application season is upon us, and appointment delays and other issues threaten the arrival of international students and scholars on US campuses in time for fall classes,” states the campaign, organised by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
It invites stakeholders to contact local policymakers, calling on them to back Californian Senator Alex Padilla’s sign-on letter urging the State Department to urgently prioritise student and scholar visa processing.
“Let your senators know that timely visa processing is essential to maintaining US competitiveness, supporting local economies, and ensuring colleges and universities can welcome international students this fall,” said NAFSA.
It comes amid mounting concerns that visa processing delays and long appointment wait times could have a detrimental impact on international enrolments this fall 2026.
In a recent US survey, six in 10 colleges reported a drop in international applications for 2026/27, with visa denials and travel restrictions the most cited barriers to enrolment.