What are the chances of visa approval for the US currently, given the geopolitical situation and visa slot availability?

It is currently very challenging to obtain a U.S. student visa (F-1) from India due to high rejection rates and limited appointment availability.

- Rejection rate: About 61% for Indian F-1 applicants in 2025, up from 36% in 2023 (subject to change).
- Appointment slots: Extremely limited - slots for Fall 2026 were booked within minutes after release.
- Additional checks: New U.S. policies, such as expanded social media vetting (from Dec 2025), have made the process slower and more complex.

Apply as early as possible and consider consulates with shorter wait times. For tailored guidance, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.