Visa denials named number one challenge facing US ELT

Last year, the number of students taking English language programs in the US increased by 1.5% year-over-year, with student weeks rising by 7%, according to data from 349 English language programs (ELPs) across 48 states.  

Despite the modest growth, visa denials were cited by 61% of programs as the number one industry challenge, with EnglishUSA executive director, Cheryl Delk-Le Good, warning that “any restrictive shifts in policy could further discourage prospective students”.

“At the time of data collection in early 2025, it was too soon to observe the full impact of President Trump’s return to office,” said Delk-Le Good, highlighting the sector’s “mounting concerns” about how visa policy, duration of status, travel perception and international relations may affect future enrolments. 

Despite an 8% year-over-year decline in total numbers, Japan continued its position as the top source country for English language students in the US, who tend to choose short-term programs, according to Delk-Le Good.  

The country is currently pursuing an ambitious internationalisation strategy, aiming to send 500,000 Japanese students abroad by 2033, with neighbouring destinations such as the Philippines and Malaysia also becoming more competitive, the report highlights. 

Japan was followed by China, Brazil, Colombia and South Korea to comprise 2024’s top five source countries, with China’s “significant momentum” (+11%) likely reflecting “pent-up demand and expanded pathways to higher education”, said Delk-Le Good.  

“What this tells us is that while legacy markets remain vital, diversification is essential,” she added, pointing to fast emerging markets such as Vietnam, Kazakhstan and the UAE experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.  

The report, produced in collaboration with Bonard, highlighted a notable increase in the number of students choosing private English language programs over university or college programs.  

What’s more, in contrast to the UK where juniors comprise over two-thirds of student numbers, adult learners made up 90% of the ELT market in the US last year, with juniors accounting for the remaining 10%.  

For both cohorts, California was the leading destination, followed by New York and Massachusetts as the most popular states.

Our continued leadership will depend on student-friendly visa policies

Cheryl Delk-Le Good, EnglishUSA

Across the country, the economic contribution of English language students in the US was estimated to have exceeded $1.7bn last year, with Delk-Le Good warning that the US must remain “proactive” to continue to attract English language learners.  

Looking ahead, continued growth is expected from Asian and Latin American countries, as well as an increased focus on recruiting students from new regions in Central Aisa, Eastern Europe and parts of Africa. 

However, “competition from other English-speaking destinations will intensify, especially as countries with streamlined visa policies and work-study opportunities position themselves more aggressively,” predicted Delk-Le Good. 

“Our continued leadership will depend on student-friendly visa policies, robust institutional support, and a unified message that the US is an open and welcoming destination,” she said.  

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