US visas for Chinese students tumble 99% as tensions rise

Bilateral row and coronavirus blamed for dramatic decline

20201103N Harvard graduates

Some Chinese students are changing their plans to study in the U.S. as Washington steps up screening of visa applicants.  © Reuters

SHIN WATANABE, Nikkei staff writer

DALIAN, China -- U.S. visas issued to Chinese students have fallen dramatically as tougher screening by Washington and the pandemic discourage applicants amid rising tensions between the two countries.  

The number of F-1 student visas granted to applicants in mainland China came to just 808 in the six months through September, down 99% from 90,410 in the same period a year earlier, according to data released by the U.S. Department of State. Chinese students make up the largest share of international students in the U.S., at roughly 30%.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.