(ARIZONA) Arizona State University (ASU) expects a sharp drop in international student enrollment for Fall 2025, citing a federal slowdown in student visa appointments and approvals that has delayed thousands across the United States 🇺🇸. ASU projects 14,600 international students this fall, down from 15,104 in Fall 2024 and a much higher 18,400 in the 2023–24 academic year.
The university says this marks an 18% decline from the recent peak and a 3% dip year over year. International students are set to comprise 7.5% of ASU’s 194,000 students, compared with more than 10% two years ago. Nationally, enrollment of students from abroad is expected to fall about 15% this fall, according to university officials.
ASU leaders link the change to stricter federal screening and tighter visa timelines. As of early August, the university reported that about 1,000 incoming international students—roughly one-third of the new cohort—were still waiting on visas. Some of those students are switching plans or pushing their start dates. Others are asking for remote or hybrid options to hold their place until they can reach campus.
University President Michael Crow called international students “economic contributors, scientific collaborators and cultural ambassadors,” adding that ASU will keep doors open despite federal obstacles. Matt López, deputy vice president of Academic Enterprise Enrollment, said, “When students have their visa in hand, we will welcome them with open arms and the classes they need to continue their degree without delay.”
Federal actions and campus impact
The federal crackdown is hitting both the graduate and undergraduate pipelines, with a notable drop in master’s applications compounding visa delays. ASU remains the top public university in the country for international student enrollment and ranks fourth overall among four-year institutions, behind NYU, Northeastern, and Columbia, but the current climate is testing that position.
ASU officials stress the real-world stakes:
- International students contribute nearly $700 million each year to Arizona’s economy.
- They help support more than 5,279 jobs statewide through tuition, housing, and spending in local communities.
- A prolonged slide would ripple across labs, classrooms, and the state’s workforce.
Students say the waiting game is stressful, especially for those who already paid deposits, signed leases, and arranged travel.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, continued federal slowdowns could carry long-term costs for U.S. higher education competitiveness and research output. Analysts warn that students who face repeated delays may shift to countries with faster visa systems or more predictable timelines, narrowing the talent pipeline that American universities and employers depend on.
ASU notes that enrollment remains active through August and into Fall Session B (starting October 15) and Spring 2025, so numbers may adjust as visas are issued. Still, administrators say the visa bottleneck has already reshaped plans for many families and departments.
Key figures ASU is tracking
- 14,600 projected international students for Fall 2025
- 18% decline from the 2023–24 peak of 18,400
- 7.5% share of total enrollment this fall
- About 1,000 admits waiting on visas in early August
- National outlook: ~15% projected drop this fall
Options for students delayed by visas
ASU is offering several pathways so students don’t lose momentum if consular appointments come late or get canceled:
- Online programs to start coursework from home
- Study abroad at partner institutions with plans to transition to ASU
- Delayed start later in the semester
- Enrollment at overseas partner campuses until a visa appointment opens
These options can help students keep their academic plans on track. ASU continues to place students into available classes once their visas are issued, even if they arrive after the first day.
Support services for arriving and delayed students
- 24/7 arrival assistance at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- Free airport transportation through Uber coupons
- Welcome events, English immersion, career coaching, and networking
- Dedicated help from the International Students and Scholars Center
Students can find tailored enrollment choices at ASU’s portal: https://admission.asu.edu/options2025. International admissions details, including how to apply and required documents, are available at https://admission.asu.edu/apply/international. For campus updates and official statements, visit https://news.asu.edu.
Important: ASU places late-arriving students into needed classes when possible and offers arrival assistance and orientation resources regardless of arrival date.
Deadlines and visa steps for Fall 2025
ASU timeline for new international students
- Priority application deadline: January 15, 2025
- Enrollment deposit deadline: May 1, 2025
- First day of classes: August 21, 2025
- Fall Session B start: October 15, 2025
Visa process basics for F-1 or J-1 students
- Receive a Form I-20 (for F-1) from ASU after admission and financial review. Official guidance on the Form I-20 is available from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i20.
- Complete the Form DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and schedule a consular interview. Details and the official form are on the U.S. Department of State site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html.
- J-1 students use a Form DS-2019 issued by a program sponsor. Information is provided by the Department of State at https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/.
- Check the official student visa overview for F-1 and M-1 categories at the Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html. Interview wait times can vary by consulate and may change quickly.
ASU encourages students to keep close contact with their assigned representative and to submit any missing documents quickly. If an interview is delayed, students should inform ASU right away to explore remote starts or a shift to Session B. The university says it will “welcome them with open arms” once the visa is issued, and aims to place late-arriving students into the classes they need to stay on track.
Students who arrive in August can expect airport help, campus welcome events, and access to language and career resources. Those who land later in the term should still attend orientation activities and meet with academic advisors immediately.
Outlook and institutional response
While the policy path in Washington remains uncertain, ASU and other universities are pushing for faster visa processing and more flexible scheduling to restore international student enrollment. University leaders argue that global students:
- Lift research output
- Drive local economies
- Build long-term ties to Arizona employers and communities
ASU officials say they’re staying engaged with federal agencies and higher education groups as the situation evolves.
For now, the numbers show a clear trend: fewer visas, fewer arrivals, and more students looking for backup plans. ASU’s message to admitted students is simple—stay in touch, keep paperwork moving, and choose the best option to start learning, whether online, abroad with a partner, or on campus once a visa is in hand.
This Article in a Nutshell
ASU expects a Fall 2025 drop to 14,600 international students amid federal visa slowdowns. About 1,000 admits awaited visas in August. The university offers online starts, overseas partner campuses, and delayed enrollment to keep students on track while advocating for faster consular processing and supporting affected students economically and academically.
