A survey of over 2,000 international students from more than 100 countries has shed light on the impact of visa processing delays on their study experience in the UK and US.

According to the survey by INTO, 60% of students faced delays that prevented them from confirming their university placement as early as they had hoped. Additionally, 21% cited visa appointment and processing delays as the primary reason for postponing their confirmation.

The issue was particularly pronounced in South Asia, where 28% of students identified visa delays as a major hurdle.

Beyond confirmation, these delays also affected orientation attendance—45% of students who missed orientation reported that delayed visa approvals were the cause.

“These findings send a strong message to governments, educational authorities, and universities to collaborate in tackling visa delays and ensuring students receive the support they need to pursue their studies abroad,” said John Sykes, CEO of INTO.

INTO’s research also highlighted the growing competition among study destinations. More than half of students explored alternative options before selecting the UK or US, and over 40% of them considered destinations beyond the traditional ‘Big Four’—the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.

Beyond Europe, student preferences reflected regional trends identified in INTO’s 2024 Global Agent Survey. Students from East Asia were most likely to consider Singapore and Malaysia, while those from the Middle East and North Africa primarily explored options in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, students from China, Hong Kong, and the Macau region showed a strong preference for Hong Kong.

INTO’s research also highlighted key priorities for students heading to the UK and US, with a strong focus on internships, professional experience, and employer connections.

Approximately 50% of students expressed plans to take part in work placements during their studies, while one-third intended to pursue post-study work opportunities through programs such as the Graduate Route in the UK and OPT in the US. Post-study work visas were particularly important for students from East Asia and South Asia. Meanwhile, 25% of students planned to return home immediately after graduation.

“This data underscores the increasing importance of workforce preparation in a highly competitive global job market and highlights the critical role of employability-focused initiatives in attracting and retaining students,” said a spokesperson for INTO.

“It also emphasizes the need for ongoing support throughout students’ studies, ensuring they have access to work opportunities and career development while living in their chosen study destinations.”

While university rankings remained the most commonly cited factor in student decision-making, their influence has declined in recent years. In contrast, considerations such as personal safety and employability have gained importance over the past three years.

Notably, work experience opportunities have become the second-highest priority for South Asian students, while personal safety is a key concern for students from the Middle East

Source: PIENEWS