Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Numbers Increase

The U.S. Department of State reported yesterday that it has issued a record high number of F, J and M visas for the fiscal year 2008 – 710,631 in total.  This represents a 9.1 percent increase in comparison to fiscal year 2007 and a 26 percent increase in comparison to fiscal year 2001.

Among some of the other interesting statistics related to student and exchange visitor visas – there was a 40 percent increase in student and exchange visitor visas issued to Chinese nationals over fiscal year 2007, which in itself, was 40 percent higher than fiscal year 2006.   Also, visas issued to nationals from Middle East countries increased by 26 percent in fiscal year 2008 in comparison to fiscal year 2007.

These statistics may suggest a reversal of the downward trend following the events of 9/11.  The student and exchange visitor visa numbers dropped significantly in the years following 9/11, but the trend seems to be correcting itsel and the significant increases seem to suggest that the U.S. still remains a desirable place to study and engage in cultural exchange programs.