SEVIS by the Numbers: Insights into Foreign Student Enrollment in U.S. Schools
The latest report from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that over 1.5 million foreign students were enrolled in U.S. schools in 2024, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. The report, known as the "SEVIS by the Numbers Report," sheds light on the F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas that allow temporary immigrants to access educational programs in the U.S. ICE also identified the top schools utilizing the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), with California leading the list with 821 SEVP-registered schools, followed by New York with 480 schools.
The data showed a significant rise in the number of students on F-1 and M-1 visas, reaching 1,582,808 in 2024, with India and China being the top countries of origin for these students. The concentration of F-1 visa holders was observed in states with renowned educational institutions, such as California, New York, Florida, Texas, and others. Notably, universities like New York University, Columbia University, and Northeastern in Boston had a substantial number of international student visa holders.
The report also highlighted the popularity of certain majors among international students, with Computer Science being the most pursued field of study. Additionally, the data covered M-1 visas for vocational training and J-1 visas for exchange programs, showing an increase in the number of visa holders in 2024. The report emphasized the importance of international students in contributing to the U.S. economy and workforce, with many students participating in work training programs and securing employment with prominent companies.
Despite challenges and changes in visa applications, it is crucial to maintain a welcoming environment for international students to ensure the continued economic and cultural benefits they bring to the U.S. ICE will continue to monitor visa compliance and address any potential violations or security concerns to uphold the integrity of the student visa programs.