The number of issued F-1 Student Visas hit an all-time high this year (fiscal year ends September 30, 2007), according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of State. This year’s student visa total was 651,000, a ten percent increase from last year and a larger amount than the number issued in 2001 before the 9/11 tragedy.

In the years immediately following 9/11, the number of F-1 visas issued dropped sharply, and U.S. universities saw a corresponding dip in foreign student enrollment. Now, however, study in America is booming again thanks to efforts by the State Department to streamline the visa application process, active recruitment by U.S. schools, and a significant decline in the value of the U.S. dollar.
Asia remains the leading supplier of foreign students to U.S. universities. For the year 2007, India led the list of countries with 83,833 visas issued, followed closely by China (67,723), South Korea (62,392) and Japan (35,828).
In the current economic and political climate, now is an excellent time for foreign students to apply for an F-1 student visa. In the face of competition from Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the American government is taking active steps to encourage foreign students to continue their education here.